By: Jeanette Hernandez
Feeling overwhelmed after Election Day? Take a moment for yourself with these five simple tips to ease anxiety and prioritize your well-being.
As Latina women, we had a lot at stake in the 2024 US elections. Now, with the results in, many of us are experiencing a mix of emotions. At Brilla Latina, we’re committed to supporting our community however we can—today, that means focusing on mental health.
We’re often told to brush things off and keep working with a smile. Feeling sad? Just keep going. Feeling anxious? Keep pushing. But to truly thrive, we need to prioritize our mental health. If you need a walk outside, take it. If you need a break, take it. It’s time to put ourselves first.
For those struggling with post-election anxiety, here are five tips to help regain control.
For those unfamiliar, doom-scrolling is “the act of compulsively consuming negative news or social media content, often for long periods.”
It’s tempting, but endlessly scrolling through posts after Election Day is one of the worst things you can do. If you need to be online for work, try to hide accounts or websites posting things that heighten your anxiety.
Take it further by unfollowing or muting accounts that don’t align with your well-being—even if they belong to loved ones. Don’t feel guilty for protecting your mental health.
After disconnecting from social media, go for a mindful walk. Feel the breeze, notice the nature around you, and breathe. The internet can be loud, but what truly matters is what surrounds us in real life.
Consider inviting a loved one and focus on nurturing your relationship rather than being online.
Music can be a powerful way to calm anxiety. When I need to gather my thoughts, I often turn to relaxing jazz music or Christmas lo-fi music on YouTube. These streams are also great for focus, so bookmark them for the future!
Even on tough days, counting your blessings can help lift your spirits and reframe negative thoughts—especially post-Election Day.
If you’re interested in a bilingual Latina gratitude journal, check this one out. But any journal works! Here are some gratitude journal prompts to spark your ideas.
Sometimes, the best way to unwind is to chat with a loved one over a cup of coffee. Just make sure they’re open to listening. Whether or not you vent, inviting someone for a cafecito—especially from a Latino-owned coffee shop—is always a good time.
How are you coping with post-election feelings?
About the author: Jeanette Hernandez
Jeanette Hernandez is a music enthusiast based in Los Angeles, CA. She's currently a freelance writer and content creator for Remezcla, Brilla Latina, and more. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a seasoned bilingual Latin indie music publicist. You can find her musings via Instagram + Twitter: @jeanettehndz
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