12-Step Plan to cope if your candidate
loses election:
1 - Feel free to scream. Just don't
do it in public. It's a good way to shed some angst.
2 - Practice acceptance. Face the
facts. You don't have to like it to accept that it's the reality and you
have to move forward.
3. Take action. Support an election
issue that was important to you and it will help you feel
empowered.
4. Create an exit plan. No,
don't leave the country. But, have a strategy that lets you gracefully
exit any anxiety-provoking political conversation. Don't
escalate.
5. Heed your early-warning
signs. When you start to think "This person is an idiot," know your
triggers and back off.
6. Manage your exposure. We all
know there are certain people, social media posts or TV outlets that fuel
aggravation or depression, avoid these and limit exposure.
7. Think broadly. We know there
are people who support the other side. It doesn't make them a
villain. Practice empathy and kindness. At times this will be a
challenge.
8. Build a support system. It's
OK to vent, but do it in a healthy self-controlled way and do it with people who
are positive and support you. (Maybe we should have a VENT party).
9. Slow down and self-soothe.
This could be a time to try meditation, or a walk in the woods, or anything that
gives you inner peace.
10. Be thankful. Name things you are
grateful for, i.e., a sunny day, great friends, good health. Feed your
brain positive info.
11. Get some perspective. Turn on a
comedy, watch a classic movie, spend a day with grandkids, or read a good
book. Know that life will go on even though you're
disappointed.
12. Model good behavior. Be a
gracious loser. Set examples for each other with positive ways to
cope. Exhibit self-control. By doing these things we strengthen our
own resilience.