#58: and now we wait

some ideas of how to keep calm-ala & carry on-ala

Nov 04, 2024

hi hi hi sisters ♡ if you are like me, this might just feel like the most stressful week in the past 4 years. as we enter this election week I know that emotions are high and tears are probably already flowing, you are not alone.

Share Kaitlynn’s Substack

this election is incredibly stressful and not only has it been a stressful and frustrating year (couple of years really) it feels like everything rests on this week, so I want to make this issue of big sis RECAP a little lighter in lieu of all that

maybe this week, take some time to read a book you’ve been wanting to for awhile, no need to feel like you have to start reading a new substack ◡̈ lets take it easy ♡

movies: for our book to movie club I do with friends we watched sense and sensibility (I did not read the book I absolutely could not get into it, maybe another time), but the movie was very lovely and so british. I saw the wild robot in theaters while in utah this week. I went alone and thought I would be watching a cute animated movie about a robot and a gosling, NOPE (okay well yes) but i also was met with absolute SOBS coming out of me. holy crap, this movie was something else man, I can’t even begin to explain what came over me, but it was so cute and tender and emotional. I loved it !!! and because I watched the wild robot, I also had to watch the OG robot that most of us fell in love with: wall-e. man he’s so cute and silly !!!

podcasts: I LOVED this podcast interview with lizzy mcalpine, she was on drew afualo’s show the comment section and idk but their energies were perfect for each other and it was so fun to hear from lizzy in an interview. I feel like she doesnt do many, so it was nice to have one with her.

in my mind: if you haven’t already, please please please watch this SNL open that happened this weekend (and if you have watched it, go watch it again because it is perfection) it brought tears to my eyes and gave me a little bit more hope, knowing how important this election is to so many people

so, how can we keep calm-ala & carry on-ala ?!? I asked chat gpt “what are some practical tips and pieces of advice and things to do this week to keep calm while we await the presidential election results?” and this is what they had to say:

Waiting for election results can definitely stir up stress, so it helps to have strategies in place to keep calm and avoid excessive worry. Here are some practical ways to stay balanced this week:
Limit News Consumption: While it's tempting to check constantly, try setting specific times for news updates—say, twice a day. This way, you stay informed without letting the news dictate your whole day.
Practice Mindfulness: Set aside time for relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness. Even a few minutes can make a difference and help you stay grounded.
Get Outside: Fresh air and exercise are proven stress relievers. Even a short walk can help clear your mind and boost your mood.
Connect with Others: Reach out to friends or family for support. Discussing your concerns or simply having a lighthearted conversation can be comforting and distract from the news.
Engage in Hobbies: Dive into something enjoyable, like reading, cooking, or crafting. It can be a great way to occupy your mind and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Stay Organized: Use this time to tackle small tasks you've been putting off. Organizing, cleaning, or working on a project can keep you focused and productive.
Keep a Positive Routine: Start and end your days with a positive ritual, like journaling, reading, or a warm cup of tea. A steady routine can make you feel more in control and calm.
Get Quality Sleep: A good night's sleep helps with resilience and lowers stress. Try setting a relaxing pre-sleep routine and avoid screen time an hour before bed.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Stress can sometimes lead to neglecting self-care. Keeping up with hydration and nutritious meals can help keep you feeling your best.
These actions can go a long way in managing stress and keeping a balanced perspective during this waiting period.

I would like to add a couple of things myself:

watch the great british bake off, any season, because it really is so wholesome and british people will distract you from american politics
along with that, watch heartstopper (same reasons as above)
go on a walk (or two or three), listen to some fun pop music, and get a treat on your walk, we could all benefit from a little treat or two
watch a happy or comfort movie that you can always rely on, or watch a sad movie, to be able to have a reason for your tears to shed
if you have access to animals let them love and snuggle and hug and kiss/lick and cuddle you

but most importantly, I agree with chat gpt on this one, get some sleep, eat food, and drink water! no one knows how this election is going to turn out, but we can treat our bodies well along the way to ensure that no matter what happens, we will be able to survive, continue forward, fight for the justice we want to see in our democratic system, and hopefully, welcome in the first woman president into the united states (wow i’m crying writing that)