Replenish the “stash” and keep your head: Staying sane in Trump’s America

Monday's inauguration of Donald Trump into the American presidency—on MLK Day, no less—for a second time was undeniably a dark day for American citizens. We are entering a frightening and surreal chapter in history, and it's important to acknowledge those feelings. There's a lot to process, for sure. I have so much to say about the direction of America and, specifically, the experiences of all women in this country. However, for now, I want to step back from the anger, fear, pain, and intense feminine rage I feel and take a holistic view of this situation.

I’ll explore other important topics in a future post, but today I want to focus on cultivating a sustainable sense of self—one that acknowledges the evils of capitalism and the harsh realities facing the United States while still honoring our shared humanity. It’s okay to pause and take a breath when you need to; doing so doesn’t make you a bad leftist or a disengaged citizen.

Take Seattle, WA, for example. ICE vans are already patrolling neighborhoods known for their POC and LGBTQIA+ populations. Seeing this horror unfold so close to home makes it almost impossible not to feel overwhelmed by hopelessness, anger, and desperation. I won’t pretend that things will get better overnight—blind positivity isn’t helpful in moments like this. But even in such times, it’s crucial to prioritize our well-being. Emotionally, we’re in a situation that demands constant empathy and advocacy to counter the lack of both in the Trump administration. That level of engagement inevitably takes a toll on the body and mind.

Let me be clear: I’m not advocating for disengagement. Staying informed is critical—knowledge is power, after all. But we’ve all heard the adage, “Put on your oxygen mask before helping others.” This isn’t selfish; it’s strategic.

Sometimes, consciously stepping away from the relentless stream of “breaking news” to focus on something personal is essential. For me, this might look like an hour-long walk, unplugged, and listening to the birds, or channeling my energy into creative projects like this site. Activities like these redirect ruminative energy into something productive, leaving you with a fresh sense of purpose (and a much-needed dopamine boost).

I know self-care can feel impossible in our busy lives—capitalism ensures that. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. Here’s how I manage it (and I fully understand this won’t work for everyone):

During the workweek, I wake up at 5:00 AM to shower and prepare for the day. I spend 2 to 2.5 hours at my vanity, surrounded by beauty, art, and music that makes me feel powerful—all before 8:00 AM. Trump can take away my rights, but he can’t steal my joy.

To outsiders, this might seem frivolous or self-absorbed, as if I’m wasting precious time. I get it. But for me, this routine is deeply intentional. It’s a chance to unplug from the world and do something creative, technically challenging, and personally meaningful. I’ve even made it a rule to avoid checking social media or news until I’m on the bus to work.

The goal is simple: replenish your emotional and mental resources in a way that allows you to fully engage with the world to the best of your ability. This is a long and grueling road, and we need to pace ourselves. Burnout is real. To effectively resist the capitalist hellscape we find ourselves in, we need to stay sharp—emotionally, mentally, and physically.

So, I ask: What are you doing today to replenish your stash?