Today, We Breathe

The day after an election can bring up all kinds of feelings—no matter where you stand. It’s natural to feel some tension or stress in the air… or straight-up anxiety and out-right concern.

Today of all days, we need ways to step back, reset, and find a moment of calm and peace.

Tiny touches of play can be a surprisingly powerful way to ease anxiety and bring a little lightness, however brief. Here are a few simple, playful ideas to help you find some an extra deep breath and care for yourself:

1. The “Opposite Adventure” Challenge
Try taking one routine activity (brushing your teeth?, walking the dog?, watering the plants?) and doing it in a completely new way. Maybe you use your non-dominant hand for something simple, take a different route, or switch up your workspace. This small change creates a sense of novelty and helps shift focus.

2. The “3-Word Poem”
Grab a friend or colleague and choose three random words (you can even ask an ai to give you three words). Then, create a line or two using all three words and bam…poetry.

3. Scribble Birds
Grab some paper and a pen, pencil, marker, or colored pencil and just SCRIBBLE randomly on the page WITHOUT looking, for just THREE SECONDS. Then take a look at your scribble - find a place to add an eye, feet, and a beak. You just drew a bird! Name your adorable new pet.

These tiny pockets of play aren’t about solving big issues but just gentle opportunities to give ourselves (and each other) permission to breathe.

Take good care today, and know it’s okay to find moments of relief and even joy, right where you are.