Stress

  • Blog, Health & Wellness

    10 Self-Care Tips To Help You Get Through Election Day Anxiety

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    Election day anxiety is a real thing and it’s at an all-time high. Listen, I am stressed in ways I didn’t think possible and that’s saying something considering 2016. I’m trying to be calm about it but it’s really hard. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. People around me are on edge. Everything is at stake here and if it doesn’t go well who knows what that will mean for us.

    So how do we get through this day without driving ourselves mad? There are 10 things I plan on doing today and throughout the rest of the week if [redacted] is reelected.

    Stay Off Social Media

    As much as I love Twitter I’m shutting it down by 5pm and I suggest you do the same. As much as you may want to be on Twitter all day long keeping up to date I highly recommend that you don’t. Consuming too much that’s shared about the election, especially distressing videos won’t do anything to help your anxiety. Instead, pick a single trusted news source and sporadically keep yourself abreast that way but after a certain time turn it off completely.

    Go To Bed Early

    With daylight savings in effect and it’s pretty much pitch black at 4pm so why not just call it a night. There’s no rule that states you have to stay up until the wee hours of the morning to find out who the winner is, and with as much stress as this election is causing why would you. Watching the numbers crawl in will only make your anxiety worse, trust me I was an emotional mess in 2016, don’t do your mind and body the way I did mine – go to bed.

    Oh, and turn off your wifi so that you get no breaking news disruptions while you sleep. Which leads me to my next point…

    Meditate As Soon As You Wake Up

    The first thing I do in the morning after turning off my alarm is scrolling through Twitter to find out if the world is ending and it’s worth getting out of bed. Instead, on Wednesday morning I will meditate silently before I turn my wifi or television on. I want to lay in silence and enjoy the peace that my home brings me before I jump into the chaos of whatever the election results bring me. You should do the same. If you’ve never meditated before Headspace has you covered with some meditation basics. I assure you it’s not hard and you’ve done it many times before you just didn’t realize it.

    Now that I’m thinking about it you might want to set your phone so that your text messages don’t appear displayed on your front screen. Don’t allow yourself to see anything before you’re mentally prepared.

    Binge-Watch A Show Instead of Watching The Election Results

    Instead of watching those numbers come in choose a show on your watch list (I know you have one) and watch it. A series can have between 8-10 episodes. That’s more than enough to keep all of us busy starting around 4 or 5pm or pick 4 movies to watch, whatever floats your boat. Don’t have anything on you list? Popcorn and Tequila has a great list of shows to watch when you need a break. But the goal is to watch anything but those incoming poll numbers.

    Don’t Go Outside On Election Day (But If You Have To Stay Local)

    I have to get some food tomorrow cause I forgot over the weekend but I’m going to stay super close. I don’t like the market around the corner from me cause it’s ridiculously high, but they’re going to get my money because I will not go any farther than that. Cause let me tell you something, the actions of those deplorable [redacted] supporters over the weekend showed me that people are unstable and they will attack you without provocation.

    Don’t think because I live in New York City that I’m immune, no. There are communities here in all five boroughs that I wouldn’t deem safe as a Biden/Harris supporter or as a Black woman. That said, no matter where you are in the country if you have to go out be brief about it and get enough food to last you a few days.

    As a matter of fact, if [redacted] gets reelected again (Lord please don’t let these people be that stupid twice) I would even refrain from going outside the rest of the week unless you plan to protest. In which case, please be safe.

    Election Day Anxiety mommyrandr

    Clean Your Space

    When your space is a disaster your whole emotional well-being will be a disaster too. Turn on some music and use this time to give your place the deep clean it’s been begging you for. It’s colder now use this time to pull out your winter clothes and pack up your summer stuff. Donate anything you no longer want or anything that doesn’t fit. Rid your bathroom of products you purchased but you know you’re never going to use. Vacuum, clean windows, and dust your furniture. Leave no stone unturned.

    Download Music To A Playlist

    Speaking of music, make a playlist, and listen to it. The great thing about making playlists is that you can make them for whatever mood you’re in. According to Get Healthy Stay Healthy, listening to music has many benefits such as, improves mood, reduces stress, eases pain, and provides comfort among other things. As an alternative, there are a number of great health and wellness podcasts that you can give a listen to.

    Ask A Family Member Or Friend To Check On You

    Having someone to check on you is always a great thing. This can be in the form of asking about your well-being and/or someone telling you what the results were. I have a group chat that I live in. It’s my safe space that’s free from the outside world. Make a pact with your group chat members that you’ll keep the chat free of the results until a certain time and have one person share the results. This way you can have the support of those in it helping you get through it should the results not be in our favor.

    If He Wins Again Give Yourself Time To Heal

    This is so important. If this fucker wins again allow yourself time to grieve. There is no time limit on how long you have to be saddened by the news. Allow yourself to feel and go through all the emotions you’re feeling. You’re entitled to feel that way and no one has the right to tell you how long that process should take as the healing process is for you, and only YOU. You’ll emerge from your healing process when you’re good and goddamned ready.

    Call Your Therapist

    If he wins and your emotions are a wreck then I would absolutely recommend calling your therapist. Election day anxiety coupled with a (dreaded) reelection win would be enough for anyone to make an emergency appointment. Talking to a therapist is great because you are able to express things you can’t to your friends and family, especially if you’re the only one feeling the way you do. There is nothing wrong with allowing a professional to help you get through whatever hell we’re going to face.

    Now if he loses, pop champagne – and STILL call your therapist. Why? Because this election tore families apart and you may not be speaking to loved ones and you still have to work through not having those relationships in your life.

     In what ways are you planning on getting through your election day anxiety?
  • Blog, Health & Wellness

    Holiday Stress Got You Down? Here Are Some Ways To Manage It

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    holiday stress mommyrandr

    The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded holiday stress. For many people, this means dealing with a lot more stress than usual. On top of your everyday stresses, you’re now faced with planning or attending holiday dinners, getting gifts for everyone, keeping the kids occupied on winter vacation, and of course, your in-laws. If you like your in-laws consider yourself lucky for one less stress in your life. For the rest of us, their visit cannot end fast enough.

    These overwhelming challenges undoubtedly make us feel stretched too thin as we’re pulled in multiple directions at once. Fortunately, there are things we can do to minimize stress from now through the new year.

    Ten Ways To Manage Holiday Stress:

    Don’t Be Afraid To Say No, And Mean It

    If you don’t want to host dinner, go to someone else’s for dinner, or simply can’t do something due to lack of time or funds just say, no. You in no way should feel obligated to do things that won’t allow you to maintain your boundaries. After you say no you’ll probably be pressured into doing whatever it is you don’t want to do, but stand firm. Let it be known that your no is your final answer and there is no going back on it. Putting limitations on what you will and will not do, in general, but especially during the holiday season will save your sanity.

    Unplug To Take Time For You

    The holiday season is hectic so taking some time for you to regroup is important. Let family and friends know that you’re going to be unreachable for a day or so. Unplugging from emails and social media will allow your mind and body to get back in sync with each other. Enjoy the time you spend alone rejuvenating yourself. No matter how you decide to spend the time, the important thing is you’re doing something for YOU.

    Treat Yourself

    The holiday season is about doing something for others but let’s not forget that it’s also equally important that you do something for yourself. In other words, treat yourself. Whether it be that luxury item you’ve been eyeing all year or a stack of new books or hobby materials. The point is, you’re showing yourself a bit of appreciation, after all, you earned it.

    Make A List Of Everything You Need To Do Starting With The Most Important

    There’s a lot more to the holiday season than just gathering with loved ones and opening presents. The behind-the-scenes work can be chaotic, overwhelming, and draining. So for this reason it’s best that you create a to-do list or use a planner to help plan your holiday calendar and to track your tasks. Writing down your tasks and checking them off as you complete them may seem like extra work but it will alleviate the stress of having to remember everything and rushing to get things done at the last minute.

    Don’t Set Impossible Goals

    Now that you have your to-do list and your planner ready try not to overfill it with goals and tasks. I know in your mind you have a lot of things you want to be done but you have to be realistic about your ability to actually do them. Trying to do too much in a small window of time is a sure-fire way to quickly burn yourself out. Set goals that make sense that you know can be completed without additional hassle.

    Try To Keep Your Regular Routine

    Following your normal routine will help you feel more relaxed and in control. When you don’t get enough sleep, eat right, or cram too much in a single day or week it can leave you feeling sad, stressed, and depressed. So take a look at your daily schedule and add your holiday to-dos in between. Don’t overflow your daily schedule even if your day is empty. Keeping your schedule light and flexible will help keep the holiday stress and chaos to a minimum.

    Maintain Your Boundaries And Stay Away From Toxic Relatives

    Just because it’s the holidays that doesn’t mean that you have to spend time with toxic relatives. If someone you wish to avoid is attending the same holiday dinner as you protect your boundaries and cancel. Dealing with toxic people is draining and the last thing you want to be is stressed because of someone’s negative views and disposition.

    Get Some Exercise

    Exercising helps to clear your mind and improve your overall mood. After a walk or jog around your neighborhood, you’ll feel more energetic and clear-headed. Hitting the gym is also a great place to release pent-up frustration. If getting out locally or even making it to the gym seems impossible, not to worry take a time out and give these health and wellness podcasts a listen.

     Set A Budget

    Setting a budget for the holidays is crucial. A lot of stress is centered around the lack of money or because you’ve overspent. Whichever your situation look at your financials and see what you can afford to spend and not spend. Keep track of this. Even if it means reducing the number of gifts you buy. Remember, it’s not about how many gifts you give but the thought you put into what you give. So instead of 5 gifts seek out one item. It could be something the person has been asking for or something that will compliment what they already have.

    Lastly,

    Live In The Moment

    The holiday season should be a time of joy and happiness. Be sure that you’re present and connecting. Living in the moment is how you’ll ensure that you and everyone else around you is truly basking in the holiday spirit.