Protecting your Peace During Shitty Times

An unofficial guide by a regular anxious girlie

The past few days have been incredibly taxing on the mental health of so many people. On the 18th, we all (and by we all I mean if you’re anything like me) sat for hours on TikTok, anxiously awaiting what the “ban” would look like and if it was going to occur or not. On the 19th, it was back online with a confetti-filled popup praising an Evil Cheeto - an Evil Cheeto who was set to be sworn in the following day. I found myself at a crossroads with Social Media engagement: should I stay or should I go? Do I continue to line the pockets of multi-billionaire white men who intend to influence decisions on how people, who are nothing like them, can live? Nah, I’m good.

Sianara, Meta apps and TikTok! You won’t be missed. See how I said that with such conviction? That conviction hasn’t been so easy to uphold given that the majority of millennials have been glued to Meta apps since we were too young to be using them. To fill the void, I created a Bluesky and Substack account (hi friends!) and have been figuring out how I want to protect my peace right now, while still having a sense of community online.

Thankfully, y’all are all cool as hell over here! With this being my first post, I wanted to share with this awesome community of like-minded people how I plan on unconventionally protecting my peace during one of the shittiest political climates I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime and how hopefully, you can too.

1. Rage.

   Yes! I said rage! Punch your pillows, vent to every contact in your phone (including your racist grandmother). If you need to be able to express your disdain to feel okay, then fucking do it. Here I am doing it myself. Being mad and screaming it from the rooftops is not only therapeutic but important to maintain our voices and autonomy in a time where we aren’t guaranteed either.

2. Cook a meal that you’ve always thought was “too involved” to make at home.

   Hear me out. Depression meals usually involve 7 items from the Taco Bell menu, which I am all for. But, there is nothing about peeling pearl onions for 90 minutes for a Julia Child recipe to take your mind off of how mad you are and give you something tangible and delicious to create. Food is comfort for a reason - embrace it.

3. Embrace guilt-free unproductivity.

   I’m not sure who created the idealization that in order for us to be functioning members of society we have to constantly be moving with purpose, but I reject that. Sometimes, the only thing I can do to keep from entering a mental breakdown is watch 7 hours of uninterrupted Grey’s Anatomy (on my 10th rewatch of the series), and that is okay! Mindlessly indulging in a book, television, video games, etc. can keep you regulated so that when the big feelings or tasks come along throughout the week, you can handle them.

4. Do something that makes you feel hot.

   I feel hot when my nails are done, my brows are laminated, and my fake tanner inevitably is streaked across my calves. What makes you feel hot? Do that. Spend the money or do a cheaper DIY version, just make sure you do it. The impact of feeling confident on your mental health is unmatched.

5. Dedicate yourself to something new.

   I tried crochet- sucked at it. Hey, it was still fun! Learn a new language, start photo journaling your week, get your doctorate, write a Substack post. Again, this is a confidence booster and that always keeps me moving and grooving.

We all deserve the best, and right now we have to be the ones to give it to ourselves. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Say no to people and activities that no longer serve you. Don’t apologize. Be you. Take care.

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