You know that gif of a dumpster on fire floating down a flooded street? That pretty much sums up life since last week’s elections. For many of us, the results didn’t turn out as we’d hoped. It feels like we’re navigating an even more intense version of what’s already been a long-standing challenge—a full-blown dumpster fire.
So how do we cope when we’re stuck in a dumpster fire? I’m no expert, but I’ll share what helped me get through the week in the hopes that it might resonate with you.
- Eat all the black licorice. I stocked up on the good stuff from Trader Joe’s, and I grab a few pieces every time I pass the bag in the kitchen. And no, I’m not counting the Weight Watchers points. Desperate times, right?
- Doom scroll. Pick your favorite social media platform and dive into the dark abyss for a day or two…or three. Commiserate with thousands of strangers, share in the collective frustration, weep, and then—here’s the crucial part—go do something else. Wallowing in your sorrows is fine for a bit, but don’t get stuck there.
- Turn off the news. Everyone has their spin on what went wrong and they’re all full of shit anyway. Give yourself a break from the noise.
- Find your disassociation playlist on Spotify. They’ve curated it just for you. It’s usually a weird mix of dreary and aggressive tunes that perfectly match your mood. My playlist featured some Cocteau Twins, M83, Nick Cave and Placebo. Also, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is a fantastic band name.
- Walk your dog. I do this every day, but this week I walked with more purpose. There’s something about getting outside and letting nature do its thing—because, as they say, nature heals. And my dog is awesome.
- Finish the Halloween candy. Just do it. No regrets, no second thoughts. Sadly, there probably isn’t anything good left, but hey, you must persevere.
- Get lost in work. I know, I know…work can be its own kind of dumpster fire, but that’s a story for another time. Still, losing a few hours to emails and whatever projects that landed on my desk helped. I got to tackle a big project this week and it was a nice way to redirect my focus. My butt hurt from sitting for so long though…
- Do something kind. That’s it. No grand gestures necessary. It’s amazing what a simple act of kindness can do for all involved. It’s surprising how much it can shift your mood and remind you that there’s still good out there. My good deed was bringing a mug of coffee to a stressed out neighbor.
- Watch some reels of cats, dogs, or whatever animal suits your fancy. It’s a guaranteed mood boost. The downside? You’ll wonder where the hell your whole afternoon went.
- Find your favorite fluffy sweatshirt and live in it. Comfort is key, folks.
- Start your Christmas season early. I don’t want to hear about Thanksgiving. You can celebrate on the 28th—until then, it’s all about some quirky new ornaments, delicious cookie recipes and those floppy elves with their hats pulled over their eyes. Hell, put the tree up now because nothing these days makes sense anyway. Why wait?
At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get through it. So whether it’s eating all the treats, losing yourself in music, or jumping into Christmas early, take the time to find what works for you. And be kind to yourself. It might not fix everything, but it’s a start.
We’ll get through this.
pad thai & pizza 