Welcome back, dear listeners, to another episode of “Dismantling Diet Culture, Fuck Being Calladita.” I’m your host, Dr. Hortencia Jimenez, and today I’m holding space for the complex emotions we’re all experiencing in the wake of the recent election results. My mission is to dismantle diet culture and help you heal your relationship with food and your body through a sociological lens, feminism, and intuitive eating coaching. But today, let’s take a moment to focus on something just as crucial: our collective mental and emotional well-being.
The intention of this episode isn’t to offer solutions but to validate and acknowledge the wide range of emotions you might be feeling. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, anger, sadness, fear, or even shock, all of these emotions are valid. We’re each on a spectrum of feelings that can and will change throughout the day and week. As we continue our fight for social justice, remember that your emotions are valid, and you are not alone.
Holding Space for Emotions
My heart aches alongside yours. The election results have brought a whirlwind of emotions—righteous anger, profound sadness, and even a sense of hopelessness for some. The rhetoric and policies from previous terms have deeply impacted marginalized communities, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and immigrants. It’s entirely natural to feel overwhelmed, to want to cry, or to be engulfed in rage. Let’s normalize these emotions without judgment or shame.
It’s important to hold space for all these feelings at the same time. Acknowledging our emotions can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and collective reflection. Change begins with recognizing the impact these policies and societal shifts have on our lives. Allow yourself to sit with these feelings as long as you need, without comparing your journey to anyone else’s.
Managing Your Mental Health
In moments like these, we often feel compelled to act immediately. Whether that means organizing, advocating, or volunteering, these actions are valid and critical. However, if you’re not ready or lack the capacity, that’s okay too. There’s no one “right” way to show up. The most important thing is to prioritize your mental health and well-being.
Limit your exposure to triggering content on social media and the news. Social media can be a double-edged sword—informative yet overwhelming. You have unconditional permission to set boundaries and to engage or disengage as you see fit. Remember, prioritizing your mental health doesn’t mean you don’t care; it means preserving your energy when you are most needed.
Self-Care Strategies
Self-care is more important now than ever. Be compassionate with yourself and avoid placing your emotions in a moral hierarchy. Here are some tips to help you care for yourself during this tumultuous time:
Limit Social Media Exposure
Social media can be both a sanctuary and a minefield. Curate your feeds carefully and set time limits for how long you’ll engage with content that may elevate your stress and anxiety levels.
Set Boundaries
It’s crucial to set boundaries with people whose views may be triggering. Even within our own families and communities, diverging political opinions can create stress. Protect your spirit and emotional well-being by limiting these interactions if you need to.
Connect with Supportive Communities
Engage with people who share your beliefs and can hold space for your feelings. Whether online or in-person, surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can be profoundly healing. If you need to, seek professional help navigating these challenging times.
Nourish Your Body
When stress overwhelms us, it becomes easy to neglect our physical needs. Make sure you are eating and hydrating adequately. Even if full meals seem too daunting, consider simple nourishment like smoothies, fruits, or granola bars. These small acts of self-care can keep you grounded.
Practice Mindfulness and Movement
Reconnect with your body through practices like deep breathing, yoga, or even a simple walk in nature. Movement can help regulate stress and anxiety, making it easier to manage overwhelming emotions.
No Right or Wrong Way
I want to remind you that there’s no right or wrong way to process, react, or care for yourself during these times. The most critical aspect is to show up for yourself, however that looks. Sending a massive virtual hug your way, I’m holding space for you. We’ll get through this together, one step at a time.
Thank you for tuning in to “Dismantling Diet Culture, Fuck Being Calladita.” Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other. Remember, your emotions are valid, and you are not alone.
