Seeking Nourishment – Self-Care Surrounding the Election

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Hi Everyone,

This week, is going to be a lot. This year has been, a lot. With the election tomorrow, I wanted to write and share some resources to nourish yourselves during this challenging time.

Set Boundaries

Whether it’s on social media, texting friends, or rescheduling Zoom calls, take the time you need to prioritize your mental health. Take a break from social media. Tell your friends you’re taking a break from your phone for Election Day (or the day after). Turn off Zoom for the day.

Cultivate Hope

It feels especially challenging to find this lately, and hope is healing in so many ways. Here’s some ways to cultivate hope and healing in relation to challenging political times.

Seek Restorative, Healing Practices
From having a good cry, to indulging in some exercise-induced endorphins, to just taking a break, find some new ways to practice self-care offered here by GirlBoss.

Reach out to Campus Resources

CAPS is hosting a workshop on Wednesday, November 4th at noon on Coping with Election Stress. Call the CAPS on-call provider if you need support (860-685-2910). Reach out to one of the religious Chaplains at the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life. This can also be a very activating time for survivors of intimate violence – if you or someone you know wants information about options for care and support, feel free to email me at jdebari@wesleyan.edu

CAPS, WesWell, the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life, and the SHAPE Office are all also co-facilitating listening drop-in spaces throughout the rest of the semester over Zoom too. Feel free to email me if you’re interested in the Zoom links (just not posting here to limit risks of Zoom-bombing).

Here’s the info for each of the Listening Drop-In Spaces:

Mondays

Listening & Supportive Drop-in Spaces

4:00-5:00 pm  

  • BIPOC Student Support
  • Allies Student Support

Wednesdays

Listening & Supportive Drop-in Spaces

All-Community Support: Mindfulness & Meditation Activity

4:00-5:00 pm

Thursdays

Listening & Supportive Drop-in Spaces

4:00-5:00 pm  

  • BIPOC Student Support
  • Allies Student Support

Fridays 

Listening & Supportive Drop-in Space

Open Discussion & Support

4:00-5:00 pm

Overall, Do What Feels Right to You

What feels like nourishment for you, won’t be the same thing for others. Take care in ways that feel supportive to you. Make a plan for self-care before, during, and after the election like outlined here in this article from the Good Trade.

I hope these resources prove helpful and supportive. I am sending light and positive energy your way in the meantime.

Take care,
Johanna