When you vote tomorrow, some of you are going to take a selfie with your “I Voted” sticker and then, civic duty settled, put the election in the back of your mind till you check headlines after the polls close. We see you and appreciate you. But this email isn’t for you.
We’re talking to our anxious babes today. Our doomscrollers. Our feed refreshers. Cause this election is a big one. It feels like everything is riding on it.
hat’s why it’s important that you take care of yourself while we wait for the election results together. The Womxn Project as a whole leans into (personal- can be anything 😉) creativity as self care; creativity is one of our core values, and the often deeply meditative creative process can get you out of the anxiety spiral. Give it a go.
But our collective is made up of individuals who all have their own approach to self care. We asked them to share how they’re getting through election night so you can pick a few to try.
A mixture of finding joy and activism. The usual with a little bit more fun thrown in to counteract the stress. When I’m both busy and anxious, I know I have to work to stay centered. It reminds me of a story I heard about the Dalai Lama who said, “I always meditate for an hour in the morning. On extremely busy days I meditate for two hours in the morning.”
– DL
When I’m anxious, I take my shoes off and head straight to my kids’ sandbox in the backyard. Sensory activities, like playing with sand, get me out of my head. And it helps that my wifi doesn’t reach the backyard.
– Emily O.
I’m planning on unplugging from news sources + social media as much as possible and calling with family back home. – Caitlin
Anxious. Distracted. Resilient. These words best describe the cycle that is running through my brain as we lead up to the election. To combat the verge of a spiral, I remind myself to focus on the moment and remind myself I can’t predict the future. But I can influence the future by voting or making my opinions known. If the vote doesn’t go toward what I believe, including those who don’t believe in my same values, the resilience kicks in and the planning starts again.
This mindset is my compass. This mindset makes me strong. This mindset empowers me to put my self-worth and mental well-being first.
– April
I am working after the election! My husband’s birthday is at the end of November, so I’m in the process of trying to plan something for him. That should take some time and effort.
– Oge
After the election, I am planning on taking a weekend to just relax, do my much-needed skincare, which is sheet masks, exfoliation and manicure, and will likely make time to journal and read while drinking soju. I will watch my favorite K drama and unwind because right after my selfcare weekend or week (depending on the results), I need to get back to work and hold people to their word. 😉🥳🥳
– Stephanie
Every Tuesday night my friends and I attend trivia night and we’re going to do it on this night too!
– Susie
I’m getting household chores out of the way, like laundry and dishes, changing my sheets, and lining up my next fantasy read for some escapism! Having a clean space to unwind is key for taking a mental load off.
– Emma
Sleep and food. And then a therapy session.
– Jennifer
After posting on my socials to remind and encourage all my friends to vote, I’ll be putting on a good podcast and zoning out with some watercolors. I’ll check results in the morning.
– Emily B.
It’s my beau’s birthday coming up and we’re gonna take a day away and do some fun things. And then I’m taking some time at Thanksgiving and Christmas. – Morgan
My hubby and I are going to CA Disneyland with friends who will have just completed a run for a State election. 😁💕✈️ – Caroline
Be intentional about time, the many hats we wear, and keep my life organized so I can show up as my best self everywhere I go! – Janie
I will be drinking wine with friends. – Cristina
I’m planning on scheduling some much-needed rest and relaxation. Taking time out to see friends, and hopefully even take a small trip somewhere.
– Tammy
I’m going to set up a text thread with my friends and ask people to report on races they are watching bec. I don’t want to miss anything. I love that you are asking me to check in with this. I keep telling myself that we will have a chance to be better in the next elections if these are bad. And I am going to take these outcomes and the challenges thrown at us hour by hour with an eye on the prize. This is a marathon worth running.
– Jocelyn
No matter the outcome of the mid-terms, we have work to do. So reset, refresh and get ready to do your part – whatever that may be – to fight for what you believe in. We’ll be right there with you.