*This post has been updated and today now marks one year of the Presidency of Donald Trump. I woke up this morning to the news that the US Government has “shut down”.  It’s been one of the most unbelievable years that has left me worried and concerned for our future and the worlds future, with this man leading our neighbor to the south. It still feels like very uncertain times.

I still think about Hillary.

So, today marks the day that Donald Trump is swore in as the 45th President of the United States. How is this even real? After excitedly gathering the family, including my 13 year old daughter, last November to watch the predicted historic moment of the first female President in the US being elected…instead…a nightmare began. In fact my daughter begged me that night to stop watching the election results coming in as she thought I was going to have an anxiety attack. I had a physical reaction to it…I sometimes still do. I feel a tightness in my chest, a heaviness that weighs on me and a sense of dread that is hard to escape.

None of us are sure of what is going to happen as the new President takes office and is commander-in-chief. There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty about how this could unfold for us here in Canada and around the world. Things feel like they are out of our control. A man who has insulted numerous individuals, groups, ethnicities, religions and others is now the leader of the free world. Again, I have to ask, how did this happen?

I don’t think I am alone with experiencing this feeling of dread and uncertainty. AND, its January. It’s cold and dark and we just had a week with Blue Monday in it, a day declared as the most depressing day of the year! So what do you do when things feel out of control? I’m tempted to stay in my pajamas with a big blanket over my head, only coming out for nourishment…like a big bowl of ice cream. But, I know that is not the answer. I feel like I need a plan or I am going to struggle.

Here are some ideas of what you can do when things feel like they are out of control:

1. Be politically active.

It’s SO tempting to throw our hands up and become jaded around politics, but if anything, this shows you must pay attention. You must participate. You must VOTE! Locally, provincially, federally, all of this affects you and your family and you have the power to make a difference even if it is just with your vote. However, there are many other ways you can participate. Attend meetings and you will learn a tremendous amount about the processes and policies that need to be followed and you will also learn about the people who are sitting around the table making decisions. This is important. Pay attention. Take action. Vote!

The Women’s March was held in Washington on January 2oth with many marches being held around the world. Their mission is to stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country. Amen. 🙂 For us here in Nova Scotia there was a Women’s March being held in Halifax . Taking part in this march or other events, is a tangible way to “do something”.

2. Take a Social Media Break.

Social Media can take on a life of its own during times like this. A lot of what is being written and shared… especially on Twitter…is not helpful. I can generally recognize when I need to take a break, and I may in fact take one all this weekend as a form of self-preservation. The events of the weekend will unfold and not reading Donald Trump’s tweets alone, could have a positive impact. 😉

3. Get Lost in a Book

There’s no better way to block out the world than by getting lost in a good book. This is a perfect time to visit the library or bookstore and pick up some new reading material. How about an autobiography of someone you admire? A travel or adventure book? How about a classic that you have been meaning to get to? A snowy day in January is the perfect time to block the world out..for a little while…and get inspired. This might be the perfect weekend for me to dive into Amy Shumer’s The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo. A little Amy Shumer could go a long way in fixing my mood.

4. Sign up for a Class

Learning a new skill has been shown to make us happier as well as all kinds of unexpected benefits, including improving our memory, better verbal intelligence, and increased language skills. Learning something new is exciting and a great way to get those creative juices flowing.

5. Stay Connected with Friends

It can be tempting during times of uncertainty to slip away quietly and isolate yourself. This is not healthy nor good for your mental health. I wrote previously about how a simple celebration like a TGIF Chip n Dip Club can be the best thing you can do for yourself during a tough week. Stay social…share a laugh…be connected…it’s very important.

I made this list really as a way to remind myself of what I can do to try to improve my mood as uncertainty is looming. This is in no way meant as a guide for any serious mental health issues that you may be having. There are professionals and resources to assist with those, and you can find many of them listed here.

Now…I think I’m going to go get lost in a book for a while. 😉