If you’re reeling from chaos, and wondering what self-care will help you survive, you’re not alone. This fiery op-ed by Joy Okoye for Substack, got my attention. Here are her recommendations with a link to her wonderful article at the end.
“Some Practical Ways to Unplug from the Panic Machine …
1. Move Your Damn Body
Your nervous system is like a shaken-up soda can right now. You need to release some of that pressure. Walk, stretch, dance in your kitchen, shake your arms out like a weirdo. Whatever it is, just move. Motion reminds your body that you are not, in fact, trapped.
2. Breathe Like You Mean It
When everything feels like too much, try this: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six. Do it again. And again. Longer exhales signal to your brain that you are not in immediate danger.
3. Find Your People (And Actually Talk to Them)
Isolation fuels despair. Connect with someone. It doesn’t have to be deep. A funny meme, a check-in text, a two-minute voice message. The science is clear — humans do better when they feel like they belong to something.
4. Let Joy Be a Middle Finger to the Apocalypse
Fascism thrives on fear, on breaking our spirits. So laugh. Find a song that makes you dance. Pet a dog. Eat something delicious. Read something absurd. Small joys are not frivolous — they are defiance.
5. Create One Tiny Ritual That Grounds You
Light a candle in the morning before you have a cuppa and scrolla. Write one sentence in your journal before bed — something that reminds you of what is still good. Make tea with intention. When the world feels like quicksand, rituals remind you where solid ground is.
6. Name What’s Happening, But Don’t Let It Own You
Neuroscientists say that when we name our emotions, they lose some of their grip on us. So say that shit out loud: I am overwhelmed. I am angry. I am exhausted. And then remember — you are not just your fear or pissed-off-ness. You are the person observing it. And that means you still have power.
…Your Self-Care is a Revolutionary Act…” Read article: https://joylynnokoye.substack.com/…/how-not-to-have-a… And reach out if you want more support.
