What’s your Election Self-care plan?

Election Day stress is real. As I scroll through Instagram and Facebook I see several posts of people feeling anxious, afraid, hopeful, discouraged, and exhausted. I imagine you might be feeling some of these things as well. I wanted to offer a few encouraging words as you support yourself through this time. As an integrative wellness coach, I focus on supporting my clients in creating physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Thus, I will offer a few suggestions for each area of wellness. 

Physical

Physical wellness refers to your body, possessions and finances. When we think of the physical, we are referring to anything that can be touched. Many have made their political choices physical: they put signs in their yards, wear hats, or put buttons on their coats. Many are predicting the results of this election could spark political unrest. In the event that this occurs, physical safety becomes a priority. This might mean taking down the signs that might invite unwanted negative attention, locking doors, and ensuring your family has plenty to eat and everyone’s prescriptions are filled. In supporting yourself physically through this time, I encourage you to get plenty of rest, drink water, light candles, and ask for hugs when you need them. It is important to get intentional about your environment. Taking care of your body could mean calling out of work on Wednesday or taking a long bath. I have included a few other suggestions below:

• Letting others help you.

• Going for a walk or exercising.

• Sex and intimacy.

• Wearing comfortable clothes.

• Hugs and other life-giving touches. 

Mental

Mental wellbeing refers to conscious thought, thought patterns, self-perception and self-image, beliefs, values, mindset, and thinking patterns. Our thoughts create our feelings, and our feelings affect our bodies. It is important that we care for our minds during this time. In an effort to stay mentally healthy, we must create boundaries around what we consume. 

• Limit your media consumption. Read just enough to stay informed. Turn off the newsfeed or take a digital break. Take some time for yourself, go for a walk, or spend time with friends and family doing things that you enjoy.

• Avoid discussions about the election if you think they might produce unwanted conflict. Be aware of how much you’re discussing the election with friends, family members or coworkers. If you enjoy political conversation, go for it! However, if heavy political discussions cause you more angst  and distress it’s okay to say, “I prefer not to have this conversation” and protect your peace. 

• Vote. By voting, you are taking a proactive step. Seek out balanced information on the candidates and issues, make informed decisions. Your mind can rest at ease knowing that you did what you could to make a difference in this election. 

Emotional

Fear. Panic. Anxiety. Confusion. Victory. Defeat. Discomfort. These are examples of feelings that many are experiencing or might experience over the next few hours. One of the most important keys to emotional health is emotional honesty. I encourage you to feel however you need to feel during this election period. Denying how you feel is unhealthy. Honor all of your feelings as they come, and trust that no feeling lasts forever. Ride the emotions and do not judge them. If you have never cried over election results, and you feel the need to weep, give yourself permission to mourn. If you are overcome with joy because of the election results, let yourself smile or jump for joy! Honor those feelings as well. Here are a few helpful suggestions:

• Create emotional boundaries: Can I listen to this? Am I available for this? Does this serve my highest good? Does this energize or drain me?

• Spend time with people who uplift you.

• Spend time alone.

• Say No.

• Say YES to yourself and your needs.

• Journal your feelings.

This is an emotionally charged time. There are lots of people feeling a lot of big things. Take good, good care of your heart. 

Spiritual. 

Spiritual well-being references personal growth, personal development, energy, self-healing, unconditional love, connection to God, connection to all. Everything we do, think, say, and feel is a matter of spirit. The results of the 2016 election revealed several realities about the prevailing spirit of the American people. Everyone played a part. The results came from the activism of those who voted and the apathy of those who did not. The results of this election will reveal the same...and sometimes that is hard to accept. Spirituality is not just about the individual, it is also collective. We will learn more about the collective spirit of American at the end of this election. How can you care for your individual spirit during this time?

• Healthy community.

• Prayer.

• Meditation.

• Positive self-talk.

• Connecting with nature.

• Silence.

• Forgiveness.

Louis and I have decided to unplug from the media today. Our plan is to wake up on Wednesday morning, have a nice breakfast (probably blueberry pancakes), and turn on the t.v. and find out the results of the election. It is how we have chosen to protect the peace in our home. Have you created a plan for yourself and your family?

If you need additional support during this time. B. Well is always here to support you through these changing times. Keep breathing.

In Democracy,

Dr. Adrianne R. Pinkney

Integrative Wellness & Life Coach