Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Northwestern provides a safe space for dealing with the impact of recent policy changes. If you are struggling with finding effective ways to manage the personal impact of the current political climate, CAPS has several potentially helpful resources. CAPS staff can also offer support if you are experiencing negative treatment, threats, or more subtle forms of oppression because of your race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or other aspects of your identity.
Here are four simple ways you can destress:
Unplug
Sure, you want to be aware of what’s happening in the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to be plugged into your Twitter or Facebook feed 24/7. Take breaks. Aim for a balanced media diet. Don’t just focus on the really bad news; gravitate towards the good too.
Connect
Connect with supportive friends, allies, family, and others who share your concern about what’s happening in our country and our world. Tell others, especially members of vulnerable communities, that you care and you will be there to support them. Walk away from unproductive or harmful interactions. Look for opportunities to build bridges, not walls.
Take Action
Feeling powerless fuels anxiety; taking action brings it down. Explore options in your community and campus for ways to voice your concerns and worries in a healthy way. Consider donating or volunteering to causes you feel passionate about. Participate in peaceful protests or reach out to local representatives. Focus on what you can control as opposed to fixating on what you can’t.
Recharge
Focus on restoring yourself. Stick to your routine – we find comfort in the familiar. Self-care is not selfish, it’s preservation. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, exercise, watch a movie, play, laugh, go outside, meditate. Incorporate activities that will recharge and relax you. Visit the CAPS website for more relaxation ideas, workshops, and drop-in meditation hours.
Reach CAPS by phone at (847) 491-2151, walk-in between 8:30 – 5:00 a.m., or during Let’s Talk sessions on both Evanston and Chicago campuses.
**text and content taken from CAPS Facebook page. An extended version can be found on the CAPS website here.