The worst has happened – here’s how to proceed

Right now, you’re probably somewhere in between the second and fourth stages of grief, and unsure of how to proceed with everyday tasks like, you know, eating food and putting on clothes, not to mention wrangle with the reality of what the next four years might look like.

Picking up and carrying on may feel impossible right now, but here are some healthy and constructive ways to proceed from this national nightmare.

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Self care

The importance of doing things like drinking water, getting some sleep, and eating a good meal cannot be overstated. Nor can the benefits of indulging in a cocktail, a luxurious bath, and a nice, heady face mask — or whatever it is that makes you feel happy and chill and like a semi-functional human being.

Take a break from social media

Twitter was the jam last night, but right now that and every other social outlet you’re on are probably pretty sad places. Oh, and turn off CNN or whatever, because unfortunately, they’re not going to suddenly report a different outcome, and you’ve probably heard all you need to hear at this point.

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Talk about it

Getting your fears and feelings off your chest feels so damn good. Seriously. Try it. Just make sure you’re around like-minded individuals (not, for example, on Facebook where your Trump-loving cousin can see), because an angry, heated debate is (probably) not what you need right now.

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Protest

Take to the streets with a loud voice and a good sign. There are peaceful marches and movements happening across the country right now, including this popular one in New York’s Union Square tonight. The group GOPHandsOffMe has actions happening today in New York and Miami and tomorrow in Philadelphia. Complex has a full list of anti-Trump rallies happening everywhere from Ithaca to Indianapolis.

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Donate and volunteer

After the protests are over and the outrage has simmered, groups that advocate for the rights of women, racial and religious minorities, immigrants, the LGBT community, people with disabilities, and the environment are going to have their work cut out for them attempting to maintain our rights. Jezebel has a full list of places to volunteer with or donate to, including Planned Parenthood, Border Angels, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Organizations that help women on the path to political office — like Emily’s List, Running Start, and She Should Run — are also great places to donate to. After all, it’s never to soon to start thinking about midterm elections.

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Take a break from it

While accepting the status quo and turning the other cheek is definitely not the move, there’s only so much you as one person can do, and there’s really only so much you can do right now. If we allow ourselves to collectively burn out on our outrage, there’s only so much we can do. It’s okay to take a break from it — read a book, watch a movie, attempt to have a conversation about something else.

We got this, ladies.

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