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As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches, some Americans are “dreading” the Republican’s return to office and experiencing increased anxiety, a new report says.
Time Magazine reported Friday about 11 “science-backed” activities people can try on Monday to cope with their “sense of hopelessness” about the incoming administration.
Psychology experts and therapists suggested a variety of activities that could help those emotional about Trump’s return take their focus off their anxiety and gain a new perspective.
Emiliana Simon-Thomas, a psychology expert and science director at the University of California at Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, recommended exercising, doing a creative activity, showing an act of kindness, smiling at strangers, and going to see a performance. These activities can boost your mood, help you regain a sense of control and feel connected to others, she said.
Working out can “wrest back a sense of power that you might feel is missing on Inauguration Day,” the report said. “You might not be able to do anything about the new administration’s policies, but you know what you can do? Fifteen perfect-form jumping jacks.”
Group crying was another recommendation in the report.
“It might seem counterintuitive, but if you need to shed a few tears on Inauguration Day, it’s healthy to let them out with one caveat: You shouldn’t do it alone,” Time reported.
“The grace and speed with which somebody recovers from grief if they have an opportunity to cry with the support of another person—someone who they trust and who they believe cares about them—is orders of magnitude improved,” said Simon-Thomas.
Other mental health experts recommended volunteering, journaling, making a vision board, dancing, and doing “forest bathing.”
“You’ll feel humbled,” said therapist Anindita Bhaumik in Time’s report. “This mountain is going to be there forever and ever, and you’re one human being standing here. Everything comes and goes, but nature is still there.”
Filmmaker and conservative activist Robby Starbuck mocked some of the strategies mentioned in the story in a post on X.
“’11 ways to avoid spiraling on Inauguration Day’ includes ‘forest bathing’ and communal crying,” Starbuck posted.
“1. Democrats are so weird. 2. Time Magazine is an absolute joke,” he added.
