Mindy Carlson

You’re hurting. I’m hurting. Things look bleak as we stare over the edge of the cliff into the abyss.

But we must go on. We must. The world hasn’t stopped. Life is continues to unspool in front of us, demanding to be lived. And until we’re able to live it to the fullest again, let’s practice some self-care.

[And for those of you who think we’re overreacting go back and look at what your candidate has said he will do and pretend for a moment that it isn’t “a joke” or “hyperbole.” Allow yourself to take it seriously for a moment.]

* Go to the gym. Exercise can release dopamine which will help reduce anxiety. It will also help you attain that Sarah Connor physique you’ve been wanting since you saw Terminator 2 in 1991.

* Celebrate the small victories. Did your senate or house candidate (state or federal) get elected? Did you survive the evening only eating half a cake? Did the dishes somehow get done and the children brush their teeth before bed? You. Are. Awesome.  Keep doing it.

* Knit. My friend Kimberley once told me knitting helps reduce trauma. Then I looked it up and found the British Journal of Occupational Therapy surveyed 3,500 knitters worldwide who report knitting reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Emily Straw notes that knitting may reproduce the same eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapies used to treat PTSD. “The back-and-forth action strengthens neural pathways by alternately engaging both sides of the body.” You can also make some pretty neat hats.

* Call your friends. Reach out. Commiserate. Hug someone hurting as much as you. Psychologist found hugs reduce anxiety and panic in the brain and body. Talk to someone who makes you feel good. Bring out all your tea (chamomile and lavender are good for stress) and enjoy a cup with someone you can vent to.

* Listen to a podcast that isn’t political. Right now, I’m listening to WHAT WENT WRONG which is about movies that are famous for either being horrible clunkers or for being fantastic despite all the errors and hurdles along the way. I suggest you start out with Galaxy Quest or The Abyss.  

Whatever you choose to do in the coming days, remember to be kind to yourself and others.