How to stay safe in a changing political climate
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The last couple of months have been difficult for the American people as we all attempt to get acclimated to Donald J. Trump taking control of the White House once again.
Since election day, there has been much anxiety regarding Trump signing another executive order that may directly affect the future of myself and my peers at Geneseo. The last four months have been incredibly tiresome. Every morning, I open my phone to see more political nonsense that immediately puts me in a sour mood. Being in a sour mood so early in the morning does not help with the weight of my coursework and classes. I can only juggle so many issues before they eventually fall to the ground. With that being said, here is my advice for how to better care for yourself in these trying times.
Spend less time engaging with political content.
This is not a request to delete every social media platform that you currently use, but to limit your daily use of these platforms as they may be producing more harm than good. If you regularly consume your news from the media, it may be in your best interest to turn off the news and center yourself. This is not to disengage or keep you from staying informed of national and world affairs and other political events, but to help you think about how much political content you consume and how it makes you feel. Staying informed is a good thing to do, but be sure to take a break from media consumption every once in a while.
Learn when to step away from a conversation.
If you have friends or family members who do not share the same thoughts and feelings as your own and you find it frustrating to engage in conversations with these groups— take a step back from the conversation. If a conversation is making you feel uncomfortable or unheard, stepping away from the conversation or changing the subject will give you time to preoccupy yourself with something else. A disagreement can turn into an argument, which is something I’m sure both parties would prefer to avoid. We cannot change the minds of every person we interact with in one conversation.
Support the causes you care about.
If you are someone who wants to get more involved, but is unsure how to do so, search for student organizations in Geneseo that may align with your interests. Peace Action regularly discusses current events and organizes activist events while promoting peace. They meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in Bailey 246. Outside of student organizations, you can always participate in community service or other volunteering opportunities in Geneseo or your hometown. There are options through the school and through Geneseo’s community website. Get involved!
Focus on what you can control.
From one anxious student to another, freaking out about things that are out of your control is the last thing we want to do. If you find yourself gloomy over the political climate of our country, remember to tell yourself that you are one person, and you should not feel the need to hold the responsibility of others on your shoulders. Most of the global and national politics is out of our personal control. Instead, try to turn your attention to things you can control. Engage with your friends, families, and local communities, and most importantly, focus on your own emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Seek community.
Don’t be afraid to find a community where others share thoughts similar to yours. Trust me, you aren’t the only individual on campus who feels stuck as the world keeps spinning. Rely on friends, family, and other community members who will distract you from hard times. There is no harm in seeking community. It does not make you weak to trust others with your thoughts and feelings.
If you are feeling uncertain due to the events following the election, you are most definitely not alone. Politics are filled with complex and difficult ideas that not everyone easily understands— and that's okay. You do not have to be an expert on politics to understand that one thing may upset you or fill you with relief. Political events can induce stress for many people. We can, however, better protect ourselves from this emotional impact by prioritizing self-care.