With the news of Trump winning the election, my heart goes out to those who are affected. Yesterday, everyone was crying, hurting, morning, grieving, stressing - you name it. I understand completely why people are in extreme fear for their lives. I am hearing you out. While scrolling through the statuses, this has inspired me to say one thing: Don't let the results ruin your life!
Don't let the results ruin your day, your week, your month, or even your year! To give you some perspective, I am the ultimate stress ball. When I get really stressed out, I start to panic. I cry, scream, sob, and in the end I shut down. It's certainly not pretty. I know how it feels when you lose control and freak-out mode comes in. Freak out mode is the worst, there are no other words to describe this feeling of despair. THIS RUINS MY WHOLE DAY! AND WE HAVE ONE LIFE TO LIVE, YOU GUYS!
I want to share with you all some things to occupy yourselves with during this upsetting time. And it should be noted that the Trump supporters are also feeling attacked and unwanted as much as the Clinton supporters. Even though Trump won, our whole nation is divided. It should be noted that the Clinton supporters should not "suck it up, get over it, or move on" and that the Trump supporters shouldn't feel like they need to hide or fear for their lives. Everyone is hurting, we all need to support one another.
Here are 12 suggestions to do instead of focusing on the election, politics, school (to give yourself a break) or even from social media as a whole:
1. Watch Netflix! Hello? What happened to "Netflix and Chill"?
2. Watch Hulu.
I suggest this wonderful show called "The Eric Andre Show" or the "Tim and Eric Awesome Show" - these shows are actually so dumb and confusing that it will take your mind off the election. Other suggestions/movies: Broad City, Grey's Anatomy, Bridget Jones 1+2, Rick and Morty, South Park, Family Guy. If you wanna distract yourself for a bit, do this. It helps.
3. Call a friend.
Make some plans, go for a walk, the gym, go to a yummy restaurant, whatever it may be. Make plans and stay busy!
4. If this election is stopping you from living your life, DON'T LET IT.
Focus on school if it helps. Imagine how Hillary Clinton, Gary Johnson, and the volunteers who helped out with their campaign - they are living their life.
5. Eat some cake and breakfast food
*must be eaten together!
6. Skateboard or roller blade.
7. Look up Reddit and find some funny, dank memes!
8. Sign up for community service.
Volunteer at a pet shelter, cleaning up facility, or really anywhere. Dog therapy is also really helpful.
9. Freaking HUG someone or tell someone you love them.
Reach out to your friends or an old pal from high school.
10. Play a board game.
UNO, Simon Says, Hide-N-Go Seek, Tag.
11. Dance or sing it out in your room.
Favorite suggestions: rapping Lil Wayne, singing Queen Beyonce, dancing to the Lizzie McGuire album...........
12. Write in a journal.
This has been super helpful for individuals, but if you are truly feeling stressed and uneasy about everything going on - write it in a journal, see a therapist or counselor, or use this website: http://www.stopbreatheandthink.org. This website also has an app for iOS and Android users!
Peace and love, everyone.