It's so hard to know what to say in this moment. I'm gutted, but at the same time not surprised, because I know how racist and misogynistic our country is. So, in order to do something useful, I thought I'd share some advice on neurodivergent self-care during difficult times.
I think for a lot of us, our first instinct when handed shocking, terrible news is to go into our unhealthy coping mechanisms. It might be alcohol or drugs, junk food or shopping, self harm or social media. It might also be something less tangible, like denying reality, isolating yourself, or giving in to negative thoughts. Especially for neurodivergent individuals, we've usually gotten very used to these coping mechanisms because we've had a lot of emotional challenges in life. They can feel like home, comfortable and comforting in their own way. Devaluing yourself can also crop up more in times like this when the world is not showing you the care and respect you deserve. This is all very normal.
But when we're faced with something that we need to grieve because it's a shock to our system or worldview, it is precisely the time we need to lean into our healthy coping mechanisms and self-care. Our minds and bodies need this more during these moments. Not only does it give us space to grieve rather than just trying to escape the challenging feelings, it also sends the message to ourselves that we are worth caring for. And we need that message most when we're struggling.
I've been trying to do this the last couple of days, sometimes with more success than others. I'm especially struggling with doom scrolling, but I'm trying to balance it out with healthy practices that show myself care and love. Here are some examples:
Lean into routines and predictable things.
Treat yourself to delicious, healthy food.
Drink lots of water and other hydrating fluids.
Go to bed on time and have good sleep hygiene.
Reach out to friends and loved ones.
Lean into your favorite hobbies or interests.
Journal or write a letter.
Get a massage or give yourself one.
Feel your feelings, even when they're hard.
Laugh, even when it feels like you shouldn't.
Meditate or practice mindfulness.
Move your body and get out in nature.
Enjoy your favorite positive sensory experiences.
Most of all, give yourself grace and rest.
There are so many more, but you know what grounds you the most. Find those things and sprinkle them throughout your day. Show yourself the love that you don't feel from politicians or voters, because you deserve to be taken care of no matter what.
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