Caring for Yourself on Inauguration Day

After the violence at the Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, many people are feeling anxious about the potential for turmoil on Inauguration Day. A peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy, and it is scary to see that threatened. If you are a young person who is anxious about Inauguration Day, we hope the following tips will help you care for yourself on that day and other challenging ones.

1. Have a support buddy: Identify a friend, family member, or loved one to check in with throughout the day. Establishing a go-to support buddy for stressful days can help both of you stay connected and grounded.
2. Stay informed but not glued to the news: While it's important to stay informed on the news, there's no need to scroll through news websites or Twitter 24/7. Give yourself a cap on the amount of time you spend looking at the news. Set designated check-in times for looking at the news, if you need.
3. Take care of your body: You need fuel and rest every day, and especially on stressful days. If you are overwhelmed, check in—when was the last time you ate? Drank water? Went on a walk? It's easy to push these things aside when life is stressful, but it will make you feel so much better.
4. Practice box breathing: Box breathing is a deep breathing technique designed to build focus and calm yourself down. Follow these steps:
   1. Exhale all the air from your lungs. Hold for four counts.
   2. Inhale for four counts
   3. Hold your inhale for four counts
   4. Exhale for four counts
   5. Repeat!
5. Learn how to get involved: Large-scale political turmoil can create a feeling of helplessness. While none of us can do everything, all of us can do something. Make a list of manageable and attainable social justice tasks like calling your representatives, joining justice-oriented clubs at your school, and following mutual aid organizations on social media to see if they need help. Keep this list and use it as a resource when you want to channel your energy into social justice.

Do you have another self-care practice you've been relying on during this time? Share with us below in the comments.