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Vice President Kamala Harris revived the depleting glimmer of hope in Americans when she accepted the democratic nomination for presidency in the 2024 election. The news served as a silent bat signal to Black women everywhere to band together and save the election once again while being the target of America’s contempt for Black and Brown voices. We didn’t sign up for the tedious task of simultaneously changing the world while being a punching bag, but if we’re skilled at anything at all, it’s making a way out of no way.

Over the last few months, we’ve heard senseless arguments on whether VP Harris is a Black woman out of convenience; we’ve seen her painted as the woman who put countless Black men in jail for marijuana charges—a claim that has been debunked—and we’ve seen edited videos and photos that are problematic to her campaign. Just one week ago, ballot boxes were destroyed in fires in both Vancouver, Washington and Portland Oregon. In addition, its is reported that more than 3,000 residents in Georgia’s Cobb County have not received their absentee ballots.

How can we protect our peace during the 2024 election season?

With a blatant attempt to overthrow the election, protecting our mental health is a top priority. Ce Anderson, MS, LPC-S, NCC, licensed and nationally certified clinical therapist and trauma recovery expert, highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care throughout the 2024 election.

Social Media/News cleanse

Now more than ever, news and social media breaks can help redirect our energy while we wait for election results. As the time passes there will be lots of triggering news around election site tampering, absurd celebrity endorsements and more. Take some time to step away and do something that brings you joy.

“It’s definitely rough out there, but self-care is absolutely crucial. We have to set boundaries with social media and news consumption – it’s okay to unplug,” Anderson explains. “Some women have been conditioned to believe that their value is connected to productivity, so rest is equated to laziness. But rest allows your physical body, mind, and emotional self to recover. It is productive. Rest strengthens your immune system, repairs the body on a cellular level, allows for mental processing, and aids memory development and recall,” she continues.

Prioritize joy 

Election Day might be the perfect time to stream your comfort movie, or binge watch a series that will help you disconnect from the chaos.

“Make time for joy and rest–it’s not selfish, it’s necessary. Connect with your community – whether that’s family, friends, or Black women’s groups. Engage in our cultural practices that bring comfort, whether that’s music, dance, or spirituality,” Anderson suggests.

Put yourself and your needs first

The 2024 election has the power to change the trajectory of the next 4 years and the rest of our lives. There’s a lot on the line, including women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and much more. Tensions are high because this election has the power to set us back to a time when Black and Brown people were viewed as three-fifths of a human. That’s a lot of pressure. We often carry the weight of the world on our backs, but we are encouraging you to tend to yourself and your wellbeing.

“Activism is important, but so is preserving your mental health. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself first. I offer several ways to do this in my eBook, “The Strong Woman’s Guide to Her Soft Girl Era,” she says.

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