Your Election Self-Care Plan
You’ve got a plan for voting (and you’ve likely already voted!). Do you have a plan for how you’re going to take care of yourself next week?
This year’s Election Day will be unlike any other. We’re fatigued from a year of chronic stress and trauma. We’re on the cusp of a historic election with massive implications, and there’s no clear timeframe for when results will come in (anyone else getting tired of ambiguity?).
As we enter yet another bump on this 2020 roller coaster, it’s even more important that we nurture ourselves. This week, I’m thinking about how I’m going to cope with whatever the next few weeks throw my way.
Here are some things you might think about as we move closer to Election Day and all that will follow:
Decide how much information you are going to consume. Take a moment to reflect upon what would feel good for you. Is it going to feel good to stay up late, watching the play-by-play coverage and commenting along with friends on social media? Or is that going to drain you and give you massive anxiety?
Pay close attention to any “shoulds” (“This is an important election, I should stay informed”) or the fear of missing out. It’s okay to decide what feels good to you, not what you feel like you should be doing.
Me? I’m likely going to power down. No TV, no social media, no headlines. I have no doubt I will get two dozen text messages if and when big news rolls in.
Dedicate time to grounding yourself. What calms you and brings you home to yourself? A walk outside? Crafts? Journaling? Make space for that next week; if you can, make it an appointment on your calendar.
My morning meditation will be a non-negotiable, and a family hike is on the calendar. Just knowing those pockets of peace are waiting for me helps put me a little more at ease.
Have provisions. The last thing I want to be stressing about next week is what to have for dinner, or realizing that we’re out of milk. I’m planning lots of comforting, nourishing, slow cooker meals like chili and soups, and I’m stocking up at the store this week.
Also, snacks. We’re going to need good snacks.
Create space for joy and gratitude. There is always, always room for joy. Take moments to look up, look around, and find the beautiful things. If you can’t find them, create them. Notice the good things in your life, and savor them.
Joy in my house next week will look like fresh flowers on the table, impromptu dance parties, and. . . Christmas. Yes, I’m pulling out the holiday jammies, making myself some cocoa, and putting on Christmas movies. Bring me all the comfort and joy. Now.
Take good care of yourself, my friends.
