Election Wellness

This is an unprecedented election cycle. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, perhaps in the most polarized political landscape of our times, and reckoning with a new Supreme Court nominee, the ongoing murder of Black people at the hands of police and devastating environmental disasters. For many of us, this added pressure to an already contentious and competitive presidential race feels heavy, heavier than we can bear some days. It’s okay to admit that this is hard or that you are struggling. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to be anything but okay. 

We’ve gathered these resources with the help of our volunteers, canvassers, staff, and supporters and are continuing to build our resource library. You can submit your favorite mental wellness tips, advice, and resources here! 

Resources

In no particular order, please feel free to add your favorites. 

• Shine: Election Self Care Plan

• Self: 9 Election Mental Health Resources

• Ten Percent Happier: Election Sanity Guide

• Headspace: Election Anxiety Playlist

• The Nap Ministry

• 44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in this Country

• Black Joy Should be a Public Health Recommendation

Tips From Us (And You!) 

Please share your best mental health tip! It can be a recipe, some advice, a show you love that helps you take a break, etc. don’t forget to leave your name so we can share the love. 

• Take a long, slow walk - Olivia

• Call a friend just to chat-- or complain, no shame here. Sometimes a good rant really helps get it out of your system. - Olivia

• Take a nap, no shame. You deserve to rest, it’s your birthright. (Nap Ministry) 

• Take five seconds, breathe - Chere

• Growing a beautiful flower garden - Rhiannon

• Taking care of your hair, skin, etc. - Rhiannon and Jasmine

• Saying no, even to the people you care about. Boundaries are important. - Jasmine

• Moving your body. - Luka

• Crafts and spending time with my daughter. - Brande

• Call your mom every day! - Amina

• Dancing and sometimes isolating. - Maria

• Candles, movie, calm, peaceful isolation. - Quran

• Pausing to take care of your mind before checking the news in the morning. - Heidi

• Traveling! - Nicki

• Listening to new music, drinking wine, and dancing. - Juda

• Good sleep! - Chere

• Movie nights with adults, taking a break from kids. - Rosalind

• Getting your hair and  nails done - Megan and Regina

• Healing your inner child. - Jasmine

• Go to the park and scream at the top of your lungs. - Jasmine

• Listen to a podcast. - Teresa

• Pray! - Shawnte

• Calling a friend on the phone. - Bridget

• Cooking! - Bridget

• Cross-stitching! - Regina

• Therapy - Rhiannon

We know this simple list is not the true solution. We must continue to fight to end white supremacy, inequitable policies, and give power to the people. But to do that, we must take care of each other along the way to make sure we all get there, together. Join Ohio Women’s Alliance as we seek to create spaces of community care and wellness inside our movement for collective liberation.