Turn off the TV. Put away your phone and shut the newspaper. That heart rate spike that came with the latest post-election-related news — even if appropriate — is not healthy.
It’s important to stay informed, especially in the aftermath of an unprecedented election, but it’s also important to know your limits.
The political anxiety is palpable, so much so that psychologists and therapists are concerned about the election’s impact on our mental health, as evidenced by the 3,000-plus of them who recently signed a manifesto against what they refer to as “Trumpism.”
The weight of our democracy hangs heavy on our shoulders. Literally. Every headline brings my shoulders closer to my ears, as if they’re trying to make like a turtle, swallow my head and cradle it there until this whole nightmare is over. It’s nice in theory, but it doesn’t help. Yoga, however, can.
Between the insistent news coverage, the maddening conversations on social media and the fear of what might be ahead, the constant barrage is enough to build blood pressure and tie the body up in toxin-fueled knots. Both cloud the mind and make rational decisions harder.
Now, more than ever, we need all of the collective reasoning we can muster.
It’s important to pay attention to our embattled democracy, yes, but it’s equally important to pay attention to what’s going on in our own bodies. Here are some tips to help you clear your head and cope.
Breathe. Ahh, that feels better. Inhale deeply through the nose until you feel pockets in your belly and lower back expanding. Exhale slowly through the nose. Repeat 10 times before responding to any election-related comments on social media. I’m not suggesting complacency, here. There may be many battles to come. Warriors, especially, should make clear-headed decisions.
Take yoga breaks. In times like these, yoga is as much a civic duty as casting a ballot. America needs you at your best.
Go to hot yoga. It can provide a much-needed purge. Sweat out the nasty all over the mat, replenish with plenty of fresh water and you’ll feel like a whole new person.
Make a yoga corner. If you can’t make it to class, make it happen at home. Close off a room, turn up the heat a little and get your humidifier going with some lavender essential oil. If you don’t have a humidifier, boil a pot of water, put in several drops of lavender and carefully place atop your radiator or near a heat source. Turn down the lights, put on some relaxing music and zen out.
Get warm with some sun salutes. Raise your arms to the sky as you inhale, bend at the waist as you exhale. Extend your upper body forward as you inhale. Exhale into low plank. Inhale to cobra and push back as you exhale into downward dog. Inhale to bring your right foot forward into a lunge and exhale your arms into warrior pose, with your right arm facing forward and your left arm facing backward. Inhale, focusing on a spot on the wall ahead. Exhale back into low plank, inhale into cobra and push back into downward dog. Now bring the left foot forward for warrior pose, left side. Repeat as you’re able.
Throw in a turtle pose. This move is all about withdrawal of the senses, which is great when the news cycle is hurling its worst. Sit down and splay your knees open, letting your heels touch in front of you. Tuck your hands up under your legs and grab hold of your inner feet. Exhale as you extend your forehead toward your feet.
Work the abs and surrounding muscle groups. A recent study shows a connection between a strong core and enhanced stress response.
Hang upside-down. Stay in downward dog for a while, or, if you know how to do one, in a headstand or shoulder stand. Inversions improve circulation, reduce stress and are generally good for the nervous system.
Whatever it is that keeps you sane, do it. In the frenzy of this post-election period it’s easy to slip into unhealthy rhythms, but it’s crucial — to your health and that of our nation — that you set aside at least a modicum of time for self-care. Take 40 minutes a day, even if it’s just a brisk walk outside followed by a steamy shower.