*It’s amusing in a way that lacks any semblance of humor: You’ve just processed the latest absurd news from Donald Trump’s realm of repugnance when another equally troubling revelation arrives, confirming that the despicability has no bottom.
If you’re reading this, chances are, like me, you loathe Trump’s “vision” for America. You’re undoubtedly still experiencing post-election feelings—disappointment, anger, grief, bewilderment, and anxiety. Consider: We walked around stressed for months before the election. To now have Trump re-elected feels like the nation has gone from the frying pan into the fire.
I remember how I spent the last Trump presidency. Watching him slip through one legal noose after another reminded me of what many of us have always known: The adage, “No man is above the law,” is an unmitigated fallacy in America.
Considering that the GOP has control of the House and Senate and the almost unlimited powers the Supreme Court has bestowed the office of the President, Trump’s second presidency threatens to be even more perfidious.
To maintain your sanity during Trump 2.0, instead of stressing about what you can’t change, I suggest tending to something you can do plenty about: You.
Scroll to continue reading
I’m not talking about a mere New Year’s resolution. I’m referring to things you want/need to do for yourself regardless of the year or nation’s state. While Trump is doing his thing—whatever the hell that is—you do yours.
It’s essential to look after your mental health. To that end, limit your news consumption regarding national politics. It’s not about disengaging; remaining informed is imperative. However, a 24-hour intravenous intake of cable news can drive you crazy.
Instead, tune in at the top of a newscast hour for the headlines, decide what you want to stick around for, and avoid the mind-bending bickering of cable news pundits.
Or forgo TV news altogether and use print media (choose reliable outlets). That way, you can get just the facts.
Often, there are comments at the end of those news articles. Resist the urge to debate with Trumpers. It is a complete supreme waste of time and logic.
Indeed, curb your involvement with negative people. We all have different friends for different reasons; you don’t have to eliminate those from your life who lean toward pessimism completely. But you don’t have to co-sign their gloom, either.
When they go negative, you can go silent. Change the subject. Or, tell them you’re not going down that rabbit hole with them.
Get/stay in touch with your spiritual side, whatever that means for you. Regardless of what you practice or how you worship, having faith in something bigger than man will give you comfort.
Take care of your physical health. Schedule an exam with your physician. Create an exercise regimen that meets your needs. You don’t need to join a gym. Even just daily walking will improve your well-being. Whatever you do, consistency is the key.
Pay attention to what you put in your body. Drink plenty of water. Reduce sugar and processed foods. Read product labels. That may sound corny—you see people in supermarket aisles squinting over ingredient lists–but many products marketed as “natural” aren’t.
In the meantime, avoid one of modern science’s most remarkable achievements: Fast food. Fast it may be, but food it ain’t.
Socialize. Not just with friends and family but in the larger sense of society. While out running errands, notice the humanity around you. Speak to people. You don’t have to go all Kumbaya. A nod and a smile goes a long way. At the same time, understand that speaking to strangers makes some folks uncomfortable. If you get nothing back, it’s okay.
Be in touch with what brings you joy. Visit museums and farmer’s markets. Patronize local theatre. Meet friends for jazz at a cozy hang. Laugh. Breathe life. With all the above as your foundation, pursue your professional goals and personal passions with a vengeance. Plan, execute, and don’t give up if you encounter bumps in the road.
A strain of lunacy has engulfed Washington, D.C. Your anger and feelings of helplessness are understandable. But somebody said, “When they go low, we go high.” Thus, whenever you hear something out of Crazyville that raises your dander, use it as the premium fuel that moves you forward (Lord knows you should have a full tank; submarines can’t reach this administration’s depths of low).
Dedicate your actions to what keeps you healthy and happy, and you won’t have time to worry about what you cannot change. You said you’d do great things in the new year. Well, it’s here. Bring on your greatness.
Steven Ivory, veteran journalist, essayist, and author, writes and talks about popular culture across a spectrum of media, including the Internet, TV, radio, documentaries, magazines, and newspapers. The Last Man on AOL is at [email protected]
MORE NEWS NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Elon Musk At Center of 25% of Americans Avoiding Tesla
