It's nearly one in the morning and I can attest to how my lack of sleep combined with energy expended on the most recent presidential debate has rendered me to a near non-functional state of being. Trying to decipher the intricacies of the United States political system among an influx of memes and conspiracy theorists takes a toll on a human, let me tell you. It's heated, draining, and brings a person to finding pure bliss in some sort of catatonic apathy (like, the kind where you just pass out because you're not entirely sure what you just watched). In response to coming down from charged reactivity, here are a few ways to recharge and recover from national government affairs.
1. Stay hydrated
Immediately after the debate, if you're anything like me, you've probably just spent a full hour virtually shrieking with your roommates. You can seriously work up a sweat trying to decode what Trump is trying to convey. It takes a physical effort, I promise. If you've attempted any of the debate-based drinking games, staying hydrated is also key.
2. Take a nap
Intermittent narcolepsy is my new favorite defense mechanism. When in doubt, just fall asleep. I mean, it's probably not the most proactive advice, but let's be real. At 11PM on a Sunday there is very little an exhausted U.S. citizen can do to facilitate social change. Take a nap, or just go to sleep.
3. Get off of social media
Just don't do it. It's tempting to get involved (this is coming from an overly contentious liberal, I know) BUT the fact of the matter is, the people you love are very different during the election season. I think my parents and I have made an agreement to just not bring up politics around each other for the remainder of the year. Stay away from the hashtags, the arguments, and the weird "Bernie Bro" memes that are still cycling (honestly?)
4. Have a snack
I don't have a real excuse other than being a snacking advocate. With political structures that perpetuate the diet industry's restrictive nature, taking time for a snack could be seen as an introverted political revolution. Again, with energy wasted on debate discourse, a snack is essential to the recovery process.
5. Watch a movie, as long as it's not one on dystopian societies
Don't watch anything that provokes thoughts about the debate. Stay away from any movies that contain themes around social orders, elections, history, or any sub-genre there. Unless you're a masochist, in that case, do yo' thang.
6. Take a break from NPR podcasts under the "politics" section
That being said, please listen to any other podcast. You will be submerged in strong narratives, research, stories, and generalized content produced by people who (I'm assuming) have strong moral compasses.
7. Watch a TED talk, again, one not related to politics
It's a world of thousands of lectures based on innovative ideas within almost any topic you can think of. You can watch a talk on advances in biotechnology, or you can watch a talk on beat-boxing. The inspirational pursuits are truly endless.
8. Take a shower
This gives you time to just be with yourself, attend to your own hygienic needs, and feel cleansed from the current events in your life. Light a candle, put on a Spotify playlist, or just sob uncontrollably (pro-tip: always cry in the shower, no one will be able to tell when you get out).
9. Google ways to become a Canadian citizen
I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. I don't think any of us would genuinely move to Canada, but we all reserve the right to fantasize. I might also be very wrong, in that case, this gives you a great background in scoping out the real estate market.
10. Watch the Animal Planet live pet cams
It's a great world we live in where our internet can access live videos of dogs, cats, and other small mammals. No matter what political affiliation, animal videos unite our nation as one.
11. Look at some George Bush paintings
If all else fails, we can look back to one of our previous president's current projects. A man once widely (and justifiably) critiqued for his leadership methods and ability to string words together is now a lil' humble Texan painter. I feel like I shouldn't find this so adorable and hilarious, but hey, we all have our ways to cope with the current state of affairs.
12. No Fox News. Don't do it.
Nope, just don't.
In closing:
Take a break. Stay informed and engaged, but dear lord, please just relax.
