Here’s 5 Ways to Ground and Empower Yourself During Political Upheaval

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How do we regroup psychologically and emotionally during political times where the chaos feels endless? For example, after watching the first US presidential debate, I was emotionally triggered and exhausted.

Our daily news is full, real, and intense.

Here are some strategies to help you regroup. Tryout a few and adjust these suggestions to fit your needs.

Ultimately, taking care of yourself is extremely important.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” ― Audre Lorde

#1. Acknowledge you have been triggered. Don’t let anyone tell you what you are feeling is wrong, silly, childish and to ‘get over it.’ Quick fixes and denial of your emotions are shaming.

#2. Next, take care of yourself the best you can.

• If you feel safe, go for a short walk.
• Touch in with nature to help ground yourself.
• Try some gentle yoga.
• Nurture yourself with kindness.
• If you can, cut back on your work hours, even a little bit, this will help to regroup and reground yourself.
• Add pockets of quiet.
• Listen to music.
• Noise canceling headphones or earplugs will help reduce outside stimulation.
• Eye masks are a joy.​

Also, if you need an extra cookie or two — go for it. For me, sweetness is needed after experiencing a hostile environment. Above all be gentle with yourself.

“Self-care is your fuel…Whatever the road ahead or the path you’ve taken, self-care is what keeps your motor running and your wheels turning.” ― Melissa Steginus

#3. Listen to your body. Are you feeling hypervigilant? Meaning, is every little ‘normal’ worry accentuated and arouse excessive fear, terror, and startled reactions?

Are you getting caught in overthinking and over processing to the point of exhaustion?

If you are a highly sensitive person (HSP), like me, then you might be doing these things even more than those who aren’t an HSP.

For instance, my stomach/gut tells me a lot and for the last few days its been on fire.

I know myself well enough to back off of acidic foods, make sure I take acid reducing medication, return to a bland beige-like diet, cut back on coffee (very, very hard to do because I love it BUT it doesn’t love me and why should I love something that doesn’t love me back?)

#4. Take time to do what nourishes you the most.

• Call a friend.
• Write, art, create.
• Take a nap or two or three.
• Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and safe.
• A weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety.
  
  

“There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.”
— Brian Andreas

#5. Be proactive. 

You know YOU the best. Now trust and believe in your reactions and do what you need to do for yourself.

• If social media is a sore spot and draining, cut back. Set a timer for 5, 10, 15 minutes to read and check-in and then shutdown.
  
  
• If someone comes on your social media page and starts to attack you and your political choices, firmly tell them, NO!
  
  
• Take back your space and fiercely protect it. You have the choice to unfollow, unfriend and/or block them.
  
  
• THEN, take a break. Walk it off. Regroup. Ground yourself in your truths.​

Remember, triggers are real. Your unsettled feelings are real. Listen to yourself, respect your reactions and regroup as necessary.

Take care of yourself by honoring your space and reclaiming your power.
You’ve got this. I do too. If you need more support, consider reaching out to a trained, licensed therapist.

Above all, trust what you need. Your intuition is guiding you.

Originally published on Politically Speaking: Political Times Are Often Draining