Speaking as a trauma therapist and as a human, today is a retraumatization for many marginalized groups. For me personally, it is a reminder that people I know chose “the price of eggs” over my safety and well-being as a woman in this country. To me, it is unequivocally personal. While I grieve what could’ve been under the Harris Walz administration, I will be limiting my social media use and not engaging with anyone who does not feel safe to me at this time. In an attempt to support others who are also struggling, I wanted to share some coping skills that I personally use and that I recommend to my clients. (No gatekeeping here)!

Exercise (great for stress relief)
Meditation (for anxiety and overwhelm)
Yoga
Spend time in nature
Breathwork (box breathing, 4-7-8)
Grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1, name things you see, “soles of the feet”)
Mindfulness (body scan, observe your surroundings, describe what you see, focus on the present moment and only the present moment)
Guided imagery (free videos on YouTube or just close your eyes and think of a place you love)
Engage with community (You are not alone)
Nourish your body with nutrient dense food
“Everything” shower
Active participation in activities that bring you joy (pickleball, listen to music, cooking, baking, crafting, painting, petting an animal)
Create a playlist or listen to playlists created by others that express how you’re feeling. (There’s a post-election rage playlist on Spotify that I recommend).
Spiritual practices (mantras, affirmations, prayers)
Limit caffeine intake to reduce stress and anxiety
Therapeutic touch (havening, EFT, butterfly tapping, bilateral stimulation like walking or dancing)
Use fidgets for tactile stimulation when stressed or anxious
Create a cozy environment (clean, tidy, light a candle)
Comfort objects (cozy blankets, hug a pillow)
Watch comfort movies (Distraction can be okay in moderation)
Watch funny cat videos
Spend time with animals
Practice random acts of kindness (needed now more than ever)
Volunteer (to give back and reduce feelings of powerlessness)
Lastly, engage in socio-political activism when you feel ready. (For me, I am very lucky in that I have the opportunity to do this every day through my work as a therapist).

I don’t know what the future will hold, and I am very anxious, but I know that we will be there for each other through whatever happens. One day at a time.