Self-care pre and post election (for BIPOC)

I've been thinking a lot lately, as many of you I'm sure, about how to prepare for the election. I don't mean having a plan around voting, though that is important, but rather how should I prepare for the election's results. Is there something different I need to do this week? And the answer is, yes. 

Let's face it, this year has not been easy for anyone. COVID, the deaths of John Floyd and Breonna Taylor, along with many others, have put us in a tailspin of grief and anger.. And each day there is news that can make us sick to our stomach, including what's happening politically. There's a lot we cannot control and one may argue that as BIPOC we have no control over the basics (our home, land, body). 

So again I think about life after the election -- regardless of who wins and by how much -- and the importance of self-care more now than ever. As I contemplate my own rituals and what I need to increase or suspend, I developed this list that I want to share with you. And ask that you add to this with what you're doing or planning to do within the days and weeks to come. 

• Limit screen time. This one might be obvious but I love scrolling Facebook. I need to see less stressful comments, videos, and memes so I will be limited my viewing. This also includes limiting or being mindful of when to watch (and when not) the news,
• Mute group text messages. I mean, I don't have to hear everyone chiming in when they do, literally. 
• Mute notifications. The less noise that reminds me I have to do something (ie. look at the screen/app) the better.
• Move your body. Daily stretching, dancing, yogaing :-). Moving the body is a stress release. One of my friends who is a runner is planning to increase her morning jogging time.
• Permission to rest. I believe, if you can fit it into your schedule working from home, that you take naps. Rest without guilt knowing that rest is key to your survival (and productivity).
• Take time off. I'm being very selection around what meetings I'm taking the end of next week to allow me time (and others) to process whatever happens election night. You might also want to set an away message on your email saying you have limited access to it for a few days. 
• Spiritual nourishment. This is the time for more prayer, longer meditations, increased sacred nourishment and faith. And in that time, take time to remember the ancestors -- thank them and feel their love and guidance even now. 
• Select your circle. Be mindful of who you spend time with. We don't all have to agree to be friends but to be in a circle where you feel triggered or unsupported is harmful. Be with those who help your being, as Rumi says. 
• Create space for creativity. I won't be surprised if my lessened screen time will turn into more painting or writing time. I certainly don't feel I (or anyone else) has to be creative during this time but knowing that it helps free emotion might be what next week calls for.
• Drink more water. It's easy to fall into bad eating or drinking habits. In time of stress and increased uncertainty, we forget about our body. Similar to movement, our bodies crave nourishment, I'm adding a glass of water to my current water intake now and my body and mind thank me with each sip.
• Self love. Turn it up louder! Fully embrace yourself (that includes any parts you try to hide) by listening and honoring your body, mind, and spirit. This might include reading a book or listening to a podcast or again dancing in your living room. This might mean telling your partner or roommate that you need alone time during the morning. This might mean telling yourself affirmations that honor all of your feelings. I love self love :-).
• Give more. Yep, in your giving to yourself perhaps there is one person who you want to send love to. This may be your mail carrier or barista or yoga instructor. You don't have to give anything materially. Maybe it's a smile, or in your prayer time it's extending love to them or words of gratitude, or maybe it's leaving a love note for your child or spouse on the kitchen counter. Ooh, I look forward to giving more in this way. 

I do a lot of these now, in my everyday life, but I am mindful that I need to create boundaries and space to deepen my care. As someone whose work is holding space for others and their emotional weight, I know that it is paramount I do the same for me. And I cannot think of this outside of my lens as a Black woman and the weight we carry and have for generations.

The goal is to get on the other side of what many are feeling as trauma and threats with peace and assurance. One path is self-care. It's being in the moment and not allowing all the "what ifs" to take over. It's doing the best to take care of yourself and those you love so that we are strengthened and not weakened. 

Take deep breaths, my friends. Expand the chest so the heart has space to freely be. Do what you need to in order to feel safe. And please take deep care of yourself. 

(Add in the comments what you're doing to deepen your self-care!)

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