This Wednesday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, and this year the date takes on special significance, as it is also the Women’s Strike, a day that will see women around the world unite to withdraw from the economy in protest against the current political climate (especially societal barriers that prevent all women from achieving true equality). There is two main events take place— A Day Without Women, organized by the Women’s March, and the International Women’s Strike, a grassroots initiative founded by a team of activists, feminists and academics — and organizers from both are working together to create a common message. This is shaping up to be a pretty incredible day.
I am all in favor of these two initiatives, including the countless rallies organized around the world. But I admit, I get quite anxious and claustrophobic in large crowds, so the idea of crowding into a crowd of protesters leaves me quite fragile. Plus, because I’m a freelance writer, I don’t necessarily have the luxury of taking Wednesdays off, which I share with many women in all kinds of positions who aren’t able to officially strike. Still, I want to get involved, and something all women – anxious, agoraphobic, working, on strike or otherwise – can do is take care of themselves. Feminist communities recognize the burden placed on women to always be other-oriented, sacrificing their own wants and needs.. So give yourself a break, even if just for a minute on Wednesday, and try one of these ways to make yourself a little healthier, happier, and stronger.
1. Breathe.
It seems obvious, I know. But I’m not talking about just breathing like you always do. I’m talking about paying attention to your breathing, breathing in and out, slowly and deeply. Spend five minutes breathing deeply and you will feel more alert. And More relaxed. Go further and try a yogic breathing exercise, which researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discovered to relieve individuals suffering from major depressive disorder.
2. Switch to airplane mode, even if just for a little while.
I worked on the day of Women’s March, and ended up spending the day endlessly scrolling through Instagram. Besides the obvious (and serious) FOMO, I’ve realized how much it can benefit us all to switch off from time to time. Even if you can only take a break for a few minutes, stay offline. Because for all the good that social media can do in these times, there’s a lot to be said for staying in the present moment, something that social media is perfect for distracting from. Unplug and enjoy whatever you’re doing, even if it’s just enjoying a cup of coffee. These tweets will still be there to read later.
3. Speaking of coffee, give up your daily latte and donate your money to charity instead.
I’ve been guilty of buying myself one (or two or three) expensive coffees on a busy day. On Wednesday, however, I will brew my own pot and donate the extra money to a charity that can make a difference to current issues. Try it ACLU Or Planned Parenthood for two truly incredible options. Giving to others can (and will!) energize you and inspire you to do amazing things.
4. Exercise and move your body, but only in a way that feels good. You.
Exercising doesn’t have to mean a brutal boot camp session, especially if 10 minutes of gentle stretching would be much better. You probably know how good it is to exercise for your body and mind, and moving will give you a boost to tackle the rest of whatever you have planned and keep your nerves at bay. We even have a training formula for every personality.)
5. Start writing.
I am very grateful to women who can and are go out and participate in a march, rally or other Wednesday. So I’m going to look at my journal and spend a few minutes writing down exactly what – and who – supports me when I feel left out and expressing gratitude to those working for women in marginalized communities.
6. Perform an anonymous act of kindness.
It’s always great to do something nice for another person, but there’s something especially rewarding about paying it forward incognito. There’s an old saying, “You haven’t lived today unless you’ve done a favor for someone who can’t repay you,” and I’ve been stuck on this idea, especially when it comes to concerns self-care, in light of the recent political and social climate. There’s something much more satisfying to me about being a mystery hero.
7. Get out. For any duration.
This is probably the hardest for me, but the power of nature is real, with research showing that spending time outdoors reduces blood pressure and muscle tension and slows the production of stress hormones. Although the streets of New York don’t offer the same healing properties as a forest or a beach, wherever you are, getting outside can really help.
I hope one of these ideas will interest you. In the meantime, here I am, practicing them too – and maybe all this self-care will ease my anxiety enough to rally me for the next big march.
