What Now? Caring for Ourselves in the Aftermath of the Election
Dear Community,
As we grapple with the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, many of us are processing complex feelings of confusion, grief, frustration, disappointment, anxiety, and anger. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to hold space for these emotions, both personally and within our communities. This isn’t a time to bypass our feelings; we need to allow ourselves to feel each one fully. This is how healing takes hold.
When the timing feels right, here are some other practices that help me during uncertain times—I hope they can be supportive to you, too.
Present Moment Awareness
Loss and uncertainty can feel destabilizing, but the present moment provides a grounding anchor. When your mind drifts into “what if…” (worst-case) scenarios, bring it back to “what is…” What is happening in this moment, right here, right now? Orient yourself to time and place.
For example, as I write this, it’s Wednesday, November 6, at 9:21 a.m. I’m in my bedroom on my laptop—my dog and cat beside me—with my kids home, taking a mental health day. We’ll rest, eat breakfast, read, reflect, reach out to friends, and take care of each other.
Connect with your breath, body, and immediate surroundings. Remind yourself, “In this moment, I am safe.”
Remember Your Resilience
When we encounter challenges, it helps to reflect on other hardships we’ve overcome and what got us through them. Who or what supported you during previous struggles? Draw on those same resources now. We’ve lived through four years of a Trump presidency already; while many of us hoped not to face another, here we are.
Together—stronger and more determined than ever—we’ll make it through this one, too.
Self-Care and Community Support
In times of crisis, returning to basics can be both stabilizing and empowering. When the ground feels like it’s shifting beneath your feet, turn to the small, simple ways you can care for yourself and stay connected to others. These actions provide a sturdy foundation and strengthen our resilience. Here are some ways to do this:
- Nutrition: Eat foods that nourish and energize you. (Comfort foods are also welcome!)
- Hydration: Drink water throughout the day to stay replenished.
- Sleep: Protect your sleep with consistent bedtimes (aim for at least 8 hours each night).
- Connect with Others: Check in with loved ones. It reduces feelings of isolation and reminds us we’re not alone.
- Time in Nature: Step outside, look at the sky, notice the changing leaves, and connect with the beauty of the natural world.
- Creative Expression: Draw, knit, paint, bake, dance, write, or craft—whatever brings you joy and meaning.
- Movement: Move your body in ways that feel right for you, whether it’s working out to release stress and connect with physical strength, a gentle stretch or child’s pose, or a walk around the block with a kind neighbor.
- Mindfulness: Spend some time daily, whether it’s 20 minutes of meditation or a few mindful breaths, tuning into your mind and body. Notice what you need and offer yourself compassionate support.
Action as an Antidote to Despair
Today is a day to feel our feelings, as is tomorrow and the weeks to come. As we process our grief and strengthen our self-care, let’s also consider how we can stay connected to our values and act on them. Consider the causes that mean the most to you and find ways to pursue them. I’ll be dedicating these next four years—and beyond—to actively promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within my community and supporting organizations that advance these values nationwide. (My family supports the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Human Rights Campaign for these reasons.)
Find what resonates with you and look for ways to get involved. Small acts of service help us reclaim our sense of agency. Taking action can be a powerful antidote to feelings of despair and helplessness.
Maintain Hope
Staying connected to our values and remembering our sense of agency is vital. Two things can be true at the same time. We can hold both disappointment and hope. We can hold anger and activism. We can hold uncertainty and conviction. What does this moment call for? Even in the face of difficulty, small, positive steps forward are possible.
When I shared the news of the election outcome to my 10-year-old this morning, her response was, “Well, that won’t stop us from being a kind, fun, and inclusive family.” It was exactly the reminder I needed to focus on where our power truly lies—in how we show up, how we give back, how we treat others, what we focus on, and how we care for ourselves and each other.
Today is a day for rest and nurturing our hearts as the work for a better world continues. Let’s remind each other of our strength and resilience. I feel determined. We’ve got this, and we’re not alone.
With love and solidarity,
