Weeks after the election, many are still in shock.
Something that was once a punch line is truly real, and a Trump presidency will most likely have a deep impact on the social, health, and environmental progress we have seen in the past eight years.
As members of the LGBT+ community, being stressed at this time is understandable. And while this stress is the perfect fuel for activism and community organizing — two things we will heartedly need in the next four years — it can, unfortunately, also negatively affect your health and wellbeing. The body’s response to stress can lead to a variety of ailments, including a weakened immune system and rising blood pressure. If left unchecked, stress can contribute to depression and anxiety.
There are many stress busters out there, including therapy, exercise, and surrounding yourself with a support group. But one response is fairly easy, requiring only a basic human instinct: breathing.
Deep breathing, the fixture of meditation and yoga, can help relax the body by stabilizing blood pressure and slowing the heartbeat. But while it may sound easy — “Just breathe! I’ve been doing this my whole life!” — deep breathing requires a mindful approach to the act.
Many people only take shallow breaths while “chest breathing,” focusing on holding their stomach muscles in rather than breathing deeply. While this may create the appearance of a flat belly, it also limits the diaphragm’s full range of motion and restricts airflow to the upper parts of the lungs, building up tension and anxiety. To fully enjoy the benefits of a good breath, you gotta let the belly hang out.
Once the stomach is loose, find a quiet place where you can concentrate on your breathing without feeling self-conscious. Breathe in through the nose long and slow, filling every inch of your lungs from top to bottom. Your belly will most likely expand, almost like you’re doing your best Santa impression. Then, exhale out slowly through your nose or mouth.
Once you have an idea of this full-belly breathing, there are exercises that can help you focus on your breath and relax even more. The most basic requires you to count while breathing, taking four counts to inhale, then four counts to exhale. Try placing one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach to make sure you’re expanding the diaphragm not the chest when you inhale. Try doing this for about 10 minutes everyday while relaxing your muscles at the same time.
Now that you’re calm, it’s time to focus. And go raise some hell.
