As a young girl, your parents taught you that you could be anything you wanted to be. You played dress-up almost daily and decided to act out various roles. Doctor, teacher, mother, veterinarian, coach, and lawyer.
You never felt like you couldn’t be or do anything. But then you grew up and realized that life isn’t as easy for people that are considered minorities. If you aren’t a white male, the world looks at you and treats you differently. Even in the year 2023, we’re still dealing with topics that were discussed before you were even born. It’s like the world is taking five steps forward and three steps back.
You never imagined you’d be in a place where people are questioning what you should be doing with your own body. What happened to my body, my choice?
Here’s how to deal with political threats against women.
Limit the Media
The television, radio, newspaper, and even your social media accounts are filled with news about political threats and women’s rights. There’s a difference between wanting to stay informed and feeling like you’re scrolling mindlessly. The mindless scroll can cause you to fall into a deep, dark anxious hole. Try to limit the amount of media you’re consuming each day. You can do this by setting time limits on your phone or by setting a schedule during your day on when you’re going to allow yourself to stay informed. This small change can allow you to tend to other things in your day instead of spending hours elsewhere.
Start Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to help your overall mental health and wellness. Volunteering allows you to dedicate your time and energy to something positive. Plus, you’ll be able to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion and purpose. You’ll make friends along the way and not feel as alone as you might in the current climate.
Practice Self-Care
It may be hard to focus on your own wants and needs at a time like this, but self-care is the furthest thing from being selfish. You can’t expect to fill someone else’s cup if yours is completely empty. You have to make sure you’re nourishing your body, mind, and soul so that you have enough to give to someone or something else. Take care of yourself first and the rest will follow. This means making sure you’re eating healthy and well-balanced meals throughout your day, getting enough sleep each night, and drinking enough water. It also means taking care of yourself in other ways. Make sure you’re finding time to rest, relax, and recharge. Schedule time for yourself each day to do the things you love.
Move Your Body
Moving your body is a great way to feel good from the inside out. Not only is exercise a great activity for your overall mental and physical health, it’s also a great and natural stress reliever and mood booster. Moving your body doesn’t mean you have to spend hours at the gym either. Going for a walk around your neighborhood, hopping on your bicycle, or attending a workout class with a friend will help increase those endorphins, and you’ll start seeing a lot of different benefits.
Next Steps
The world can seem like a scary place right now. You’re not alone in how you’re feeling. No one expects you to have it all figured out either. You shouldn’t expect that out of yourself either. It’s okay if you need a little extra help and support from time to time. If you’re struggling with the current stand of the world, it may be time to seek additional support. Working with a therapist can help you better understand the thoughts and feelings you’re experiencing. A therapist will be able to work with you to better manage your stress and anxiety.
Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for therapy for women.