It’s Okay Not to Be Okay After the Election: A Guide for Black Women to Find Self-Care and Reclaim Peace

Hello, Beautiful Souls,

If you’re feeling drained, upset, or even numb after the election, I want you to know: it’s okay. It's okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, and even a little lost. It’s okay not to have answers right now. In the midst of navigating work, life, and everything in between, this moment may feel like yet another layer that demands more of your spirit, and if it’s all weighing heavy on your heart, know you are not alone.

Our experiences, our voices, and our existence often seem to be debated, disregarded, and questioned in public spaces, and it can be exhausting. For so many Black women, every election season brings up reminders of our place in a world that doesn’t always see us. Yet, here we are—beautiful, resilient, and worthy of every piece of rest and restoration our souls need.

So, today, I want to encourage you to lean into yourself with compassion. Take this time to replenish and honor the boundaries your heart and mind are craving. Below are some steps you can take to care for yourself in the days ahead.

1. Pause and Breathe

Let’s start with the simplest, most grounding act: breathe. Take a few moments to close your eyes and tune into your breath. Breathe deeply and allow your body to release any tension, if only for a moment. Remember, in these quiet moments, you can find strength. Reclaiming your calm is a reminder to your body and soul that peace is possible, even in the smallest of breaths.

2. Lean on Your Tribe

Reach out to those who understand. Surrounding yourself with those who share your experience and can offer support can be healing. Call a friend, text your sister, or meet up with loved ones who help you feel seen and heard. There’s so much power in our community, in knowing we can lean on each other and don’t have to carry it all alone.

3. Limit Your Exposure

It’s okay to step back from social media and news for a while. Constantly absorbing news and opinions can be overwhelming, so give yourself permission to take a break. Protect your mental space and remember, you have the power to decide what you consume. Unplugging, even if just for a few hours, can be a gift to your spirit.

4. Move Your Body, Ground Your Energy

Movement can help release emotions and reset your energy. Dance, do yoga, take a walk, or stretch. Anything that feels good to you. Connect to the physical space around you, feel the earth beneath your feet, and remind yourself that you are strong, grounded, and resilient.

5. Affirm Yourself

In these times, our minds can get clouded with heavy thoughts, and our worth can feel questioned. Take a moment to affirm your value, your beauty, and your strength. You are powerful. You are deserving of joy, safety, and peace. Repeat these words to yourself whenever you need them, anchoring yourself in the truth of who you are.

6. Create Space for Joy

It might feel hard, but find moments of joy, however small. Watch your favorite show, cook a delicious meal, or indulge in a good book. Carve out space for things that bring you happiness and give yourself permission to feel joy, even amid difficult times.

7. Give Yourself Grace

Maybe you don’t feel as productive as usual, and that’s okay. Maybe you’re feeling extra sensitive, and that’s okay too. These feelings are valid. Show yourself the same love and patience you would offer a dear friend. Take this time to listen to what your soul needs and honor it with grace.

Beautiful Soul, it’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to grieve, to rest, and to heal. In a world that demands so much of us, may we learn to pour that same energy back into ourselves. In these times, your peace is a form of resistance, and your self-care is a radical act of love. Let’s hold each other up and make room for all that we need to feel whole.

With all my love and encouragement,

Tamara

Chief Balance Officer