11/10/2016
In the Face of Despair, Take Care of Yourself: A Life Coach’s Perspective
I have gotten many calls and messages from family, friends and clients, beginning late on the night of the election, from those seeking advice on how to handle what so many of us are feeling – some simply express sadness, others are beyond fatigued. For some, it is betrayal. No matter what your politics, we are weary from being immersed in a contentious election “season” that lasted the better part of two years.
Even with Election Day theoretically in the rearview mirror, make no mistake: many of us are experiencing something similar to the stress that follows a traumatic event. The reactions can manifest physically, emotionally and spiritually.
You may experience: headaches, nausea, upset stomach or fatigue, insomnia; you may feel a desire to withdraw, seek social isolation, heightened anxiety or fear; irritability, restlessness, or over excitability; sadness, moodiness, more crying than usual; helplessness or hopelessness; numbness or detachment; difficulty concentrating; confusion or distraction, slower thought than normal.
This list is not exhaustive. It is important to recognize that one may have many different responses to stress. They are all normal responses. Be patient with yourself – those of us who are used to being strong to support and care for others, often don’t give ourselves permission to feel sad, overwhelmed, to grieve.
Give yourself permission to do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Listen to your body and your mind. Check your spirit. They will tell you what you need.
Rest when you’re tired, and use the energy you have if you experience hyperactivity at times. But don’t force yourself to be active if you are not energized.
Eat when you are hungry – but be mindful about stress-eating. Stay hydrated – especially if you have been crying. Talk to people as much as you need to. Reach out - isolation is the enemy – seek out those who give you life and those that make you laugh. Give and get as many hugs as you can (safely!). There is comfort in knowing that you are not alone. If you are concerned that you are experiencing hopelessness that is not subsiding, consider calling a crisis line, going to a crisis center, or using other community resources—they are there to help you.
Do the things that feel good to you—take baths with soothing scents and candles, read what you love, move your body with walks or vigorous exercise, binge watch your favorite series – do whatever feels good and nurturing. Make sure you get a hearty belly-laugh every chance you get. Scream or cry - express your feelings in any way you need.
Finally – the rule is: you must replenish at least as much energy as you deplete. In all ways, take care of yourself.
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"Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others. " ~ Christopher Germer
