There has been a great sense of despair in the last few days, post the presidential election. There has been shock, fear, and anger by many across the country who have long fought for justice and equity. It seems hard to believe that many others have justified the actions, hate speech, and racist slurs of an overly tanned man with poor vocabulary and poor debate skills. To all my friends, family, and peers: Always take care of yourself and take care of others. Here are 10 ways to self heal.
1. FEEL OUT YOUR EMOTIONS
In other words, let yourself express what you actually feel. If you need to cry, let yourself cry. If you are angry, let yourself be angry, perhaps scream into a pillow! It is important to take part in cathartic acts because repressing or avoiding emotions is never healthy. Our repressed feelings do inevitably always come back, out of the blue and without our consent. So feel it out now!
2. MUSIC FOR HEALING
When we listen to music, we listen to what best compliments our mood and thought process. A particular song may touch us and somehow make us feel like it understands us in ways no other person or thing can. When we are happy we like to listen to music that make us want to move, dance, and sing along. When we are sad we tend to listen to music that can mourn with us. We listen to particular songs that makes us feel hopeful and reminiscent of better times when we are in need of it. We may be responsive to the lyrics or the melody, but in the end we listen to music because it validates our emotions.
3. SEEK SOCIAL SOCIAL SUPPORT
According to the field of Community Mental Health, social support is the number one tool for recovery. Merely having someone listen to us talk about what we have experienced and how we feel is enough to feel better because we unload. Disclosure is therapeutic, it allows a time to unleash our thoughts and then recollect them. We may consider talking about a topic both intellectually or emotionally. With someone else there it is also possible to receive alternative perspectives. Remember, you are never alone!
4. WRITE ABOUT IT
There is a lot going on cognitively when we write. Our brain is fast and our hand definitely struggles to keep up. But when we write, we do tend to slow down just a bit in order for our pen to capture our most intimate and genuine thoughts. If there is no one to talk to, or if you are in the mood for solitude, write about it in a journal, a blank sheet of paper, or post-it note. You may burn it, keep it, or mail it. The writing is ultimately for you.
5. CREATIVITY FOR REACTIVITY
In psychology, “sublimation” is one of the more healthy defense mechanisms against painful feelings. Our pain is thus transformed and expressed through more creative outlets such as art and music. You might find yourself at ease when coloring in mandalas, baking a cake, or picking up your guitar. Get creative with it.
6. TREAT YO’ SELF
We must not always be too tough on ourselves. In times of hardship it is best to take a mental break and treat ourselves. Indulge in your favorite activities that ease your stress and clear your head. It may be hiking through nature, taking a hot bath, yoga, going to the beach, or eating out of an ice cream tub. Whatever this activity may be, make sure it allows for relaxation.
7. EXERCISE
Exercise is not everyone’s favorite go-to activity. However, there is much research pertaining to the benefits exercise holds for relieving stress and even helping depression. When we are down, a good run is just what we need for adrenaline and energy, and not to mention, a good night sleep.
8. EAT A GOOD MEAL
You have heard that breakfast, indeed, is the most important meal of the day. However, when we are stuck in a rut, we may feel less motivated to get up out of bed in the morning and before we know it the clock hits noon. Never skip meal! Food brings you energy and eating your favorite dish can be the slight silver lining of your day. So why not eat what you want?
9. GET OFF THE INTERNET
The internet is a wonderful resource, except when it deceives you into thinking that it is all the social support you need. Inevitably we may fall into it’s black hole. In this particular point in time, the media is overwhelming. From devastating political news to unjustifiable racist Facebook remarks on the most recent presidential election. Be aware, but also be cautious. Be conscious of the time you spent in front of your computer screen and the hours of daylight your receive.
10. PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENTS
Some developmental researchers of psychology may say that, intrinsically, we empathize and help others because it makes us feel good about ourselves. Participating in social justice protests and movements are not only political acts but also acts of solidarity and social support. It is a message we hope to send to the people in power, but to our peers as well. We are not alone and we will not give up!
Santa Cruz has done an amazing job at staying peaceful yet revolutionary with the most recent protest walks against hate crimes, hate speech, discrimination, and racism from Sir Cheeto and his followers. To all those actively attending and participating in such movements, stay safe! Most of all thank you for being brave and working towards social justice!
