The results are in: Donald Trump is our president for the next four years. It’s clear that a wave of panic has swept our country based on the protests and marches going on in cities across the United States. It’s been ten days since the election and our Facebook feeds still seem to reference Donald Trump in every other post. If you’re anything like me, you just want everyone to stop fighting and things to go back to normal—where Twitter is full of funny memes instead of aggressive political rants.
If you’re feeling confused, alone, scared, anxious, or shocked during this time, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here are some ways you can clear your mind from the panic Donald Trump has brought to “nasty women” across the nation.
- Take a break break from social media. It’s easier to be a lot more confident behind a screen, making them much more likely to share their views on the election. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the negativity (or even the positive vibes), try closing out of your Twitter or Facebook whenever you see a political rant.Do something good. This could be as easy as bringing your roommate a cookie from the dining hall or making the effort to smile at a stranger. Model the social standards you would like to see in your community. These little acts of kindness will also boost your happiness!
- Point out the good things. Take note of the little acts of kindness you see other people doing. Let their kindness remind you of all the good people in the world. Hopefully, these people will inspire you to stay optimistic and keep your head up.
- Try to understand. While you may not agree with everything someone says, it’s important to keep a clear and open mind to other viewpoints. Educate yourself and try to understand where others are coming from. Not everyone who voted for Trump is a racist, just like how not everyone who voted for Gary Johnson is a pothead. If you want them to respect your views, start by showing respect yourself.
- Write to your representatives. Writing is a great way to release stress and acknowledge your feelings and it makes it even better if your writing allows you to take an active part in government by letting your voice be heard. Find your representatives here and break out best letter-writing skills.
- Get out and about. Going outside and interacting with others may not be super appealing to you right now, but it’s important to realize that life goes on and the world keeps spinning. Take it one day at a time. Plus, if it makes you feel any better, Obama still has two months left in office!
Keep your head up and be the change you hope to see in others. As our admirable first lady said, “When they go low, we go high.” And no matter what anyone tells you, always remember Aibileen Clark’s motto from The Help: You is strong. You is kind. You is important.
by Sarah Basile