November 17, 2024

Ladies, can we just take a collective sigh? Whew! We’ve made it through yet another political circus. The debates, the drama, the endless vicious language — it’s enough to make anyone want to crawl into bed with a tub of ice cream (non-dairy for me) and Netflix until further notice. But hold up, before you let the chaos steal your peace, let’s regroup and remember who we are: we are resilient, focused, and entirely too fabulous to let the noise shake us. Why Reducing Stress Matters More Than Ever Before we get into our tips, let’s get real about why this conversation is crucial. For Black and Brown women, chronic stress isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a health risk. The pressure we carry, from systemic racism to workplace microaggressions, can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, anxiety, depression, and even obesity. Research shows that prolonged exposure to stress affects our mental and physical well-being, shortening our lifespans and impacting our quality of life. Multiple women in my life are managing chronic illnesses and I know that stress doesn’t help any of them or me, so let’s get back to maintaining our peace. In our article “Saying No to Invisible Labor,” we talked about the importance of setting boundaries to protect our energy. And right now, with heightened emotions and political tensions, those boundaries are more important than ever. We can’t afford to let external chaos jeopardize our health. Another relevant piece, “When Loss Isn’t Death,” explored how to navigate feelings of disappointment and grief that aren’t tied to a physical loss. The political climate can bring about a similar emotional response, making it essential to acknowledge and process these feelings rather than suppress them. So how do you process those feelings. Glad you asked because your health could very well depend on it. 1. Limit Your Political Doomscrolling (Seriously, Put the Phone Down) Let’s be real: the 24/7 news cycle is like a nosy neighbor who always has something to say — and it’s rarely good. The constant updates will have you feeling like the sky is falling every 10 minutes. Pro tip: You don’t need to check the news every time your phone buzzes. Instead, set a designated time for updates (and give yourself a hard stop when you’ve had enough). Trust me, those opinions and talking heads will still be there tomorrow, but your sanity might not be if you keep scrolling. Post the election I have literally limited my intake of the news. Instead I have been catching up on audiobooks and focusing on accomplishing my goals. Try This: When you catch yourself deep in a social media spiral, take a break and do something that grounds you. Whether it’s blasting your favorite song (cue my Gospel playlist) or taking a walk outside, you’ll feel the shift immediately. 2. Navigating Conversations with Folks Who Voted Differently Real talk ,you’re probably going to cross paths with someone who voted for the other side, whether it’s at the office, the family cookout, or during a casual chat at your favorite café. Here’s the deal: we can’t control how others think, but we can control how we respond. Concrete Tips: 3. Remember: Your Auntie’s Hot Takes Are Not Policy Listen, we all have that relative who suddenly turns into a CNN commentator post-election. They’ve got opinions, and if you know like I know, they will share them — whether you asked or not. If this is your reality, here is an option, smile, nod, and then take a step back. Because here’s the tea: the daily chatter might be loud, but it’s just that — chatter. Don’t let the noise distract you from your goals. Whether it’s your career, your wellness journey, or that side hustle you’ve been nurturing, stay focused. The best clapback to the chaos? Living your life with clarity and joy. Try This: Politely change the topic or simply say, “I’m trying to stay solutions-focused right now. Let’s talk about something that lifts us up!” And if that doesn’t work, a quick exit strategy never hurts. Blame the Wi-Fi connection, go to the bathroom, or excuse yourself to take care of something and that really long to do list and keep it moving! 4. Get Back to Your Self-Care Non-Negotiables It’s easy to let the stress of political outcomes sneak up on us, causing sleepless nights and frayed nerves. But sis, that’s not our portion. It’s time to double down on your self-care. Remember those practices that kept you grounded before? Now is the time to pull them out of the toolbox. You need them now more than ever. Meditation, journaling (or video journaling for my non-writers), bubble baths, dance breaks, walks in the sunshine, focusing on a hobby — whatever your self-care jam is, do it like it’s your job.I started an herb garden and right now my basil is sprouting. That and my kickboxing are keeping my joy factor high. Try This: Create a quick self-care checklist. Make sure it includes at least three activities that help you reconnect with yourself. Need ideas? Here’s a starter pack: dance like no one’s watching, unplug for an hour, and call a friend who makes you belly laugh. 5. Lean on Your Circle (We’re Stronger Together) Let’s not do this alone, okay? Healing and resilience are team sports. It’s time to reach out to your crew — your besties, your work squad, that cousin who knows just how to make you laugh-cry. Set up a virtual brunch, schedule a group FaceTime, or just send a voice note to remind them (and yourself) that you’re in this together. The love and support from your community will keep you grounded and remind you that we are more than any political season. This week I had the opportunity to be in community with amazing women who worked together to shift their moods and their atmosphere. Try This: Start a group chat with a purpose. Instead of debating