Demoralization Is a Weapon 15 elo ereatar aly Kos 09207202) - Seen 20,2029 Demoralization is a weapon. People who are demoralized to the point of feeling helpless may not bother to vote, They will not find the wherewithal to fight. They may give up without a fight. The Rs, and especially the tRump campaign, are trying to demoralize us. We need to recognize this technique so that we don’t give and to fight this so that we are strong enough to continue, ‘And it should go without saying, but still needs to be said, we need to stop demoralizing ourselves. What can you do if you are feeling demoralized, about the condition of our country and the rest of the world? ‘on how to fight depression — and demoralization has @ lot in common with depression. It starts with the advice to meet yourself where you are. There is no shame in feeling down, especially when so many bad things happen. The article even encourages us to wallow if we need to, but to do it constructively. 2. If you need to wallow, wallow — but do so constructivelyIf you're having a down day, have it. Let yourself feel the emotions — but don't stay there, Consider writing or journaling about what you're experiencing. Then, when the feelings lift write about that, too, Seeing the ebb and flow of depressive symptoms can be instructive for both self-healing and hope. Here are some general suggestions on what you can do to feel better and stronger. Take care of yourself. + Deep breathing, yoga. Five deep slow breaths, in and out, helps me a lot. 1 don’t personally have the patience for yoga but many swear by it ‘+ Eat and drink right (especially, drink mare water, dehydration can also ruin your mood). Although potato chips and alcohol may beckon when you're down, you'll do better if you stay away from the bad stuff. Note that good habits may take a few days to pay off. ‘+ Make sure you have enough vitamins (D, especially, boosts the immune system and may play @ role in Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD) in your system. ‘+ Music, If you like music at all, i's good to have a few faves on your phone or somewhere you can get to it easily, I Isten often to Pharrell Williams "Happy” — as comy a solution as there is, but @ little bit of bouncing around to this and I do feel better, + Get out in nature, This isn't elways possible, but twenty minutes out in the greenery can lift your spirits, This is especially good In the evening or the early morning, when that greenery has released its oxygen into the world, + Exercise. Walk off the bad mood! Seriously, after a few minutes of exercise — maderate is OK — you may start to feel a litte better + Clean. I know this sounds nuts, but dirt and disorder can depress people. If your environment is clean and orderly, that can help. ‘Seek help if youneed + Some discouragement requires more than just a few changes to your dally life. You may need to speak with a friend, with a professional, and you may even need medication, + Remember, you are not alone, even if the pandemic has forced you into quas! isolation. Many, many others are working to make this world a better place Do something about the problems. + There's giving money; canvassing; writing postcards; freeway blogging; contacting your representatives. Most importantly at the moment is vating, of caurse, and helping others to vote, ‘+ Individual problems are a different matter, of course. Perhaps you are broke. Perhaps you are in a bad relationship. Perhaps your pet is sick + If you're just experiencing a vague malaise, then identify something that is bothering you — maybe it's not the issue, but i's something — and de something about that. This approach may sive you a sense of control, and even if it doesn't lift your spirits completely, at least one problem is taken care of, Remember the rest of your life. Not everything is about politics, or about tRump, or even about saving the planet. There are people you like spending time with, games you like playing, shows you like watching, Make sure to find time for these things, too.Remember, demoralization is a weapon. The tRumpsters and the Rs want us to give up without a fight. Let’s not give them that satisfaction. Especially, let's not turn it on ourselves. Finally, the suggestions will not work for everyone, and sometimes they take a while to work, Keep on plugging, and be proud of yourself for doing so. Thank you to all who already support our work since we could not exist without your generosity. If you have not already, please consider supporting us on Patreon to ensure we can continue bringing you the best of independent journalism. a)