Thriving Together: How Nervous System Regulation & Community Can Get Us Through Challenging Times
Did you just find out a couple days ago that Donald Trump is our president elect yet again and feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness and rage? Don’t worry, you’re not alone because me and the rest of the anti maga crew are right here with you. In honor of recent events this blog post will be talking about going back to the basics with an emphasis on resilience, self-care, and collective support. Which I think we can all agree is desperately needed right now.
In times of major social and political tension, such as the present, many of us are struggling. Whether it is because of the addiction to doom scrolling, financial challenges, or just that we have to keep showing up each day to survive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, I’m here to remind you again that you’re not alone. I understand that well-being is about more than the body—it’s also about nourishing the mind, spirit, and our need for community. Let’s talk about some powerful ways to navigate these difficult times: regulating the nervous system, building community resilience, and taking action together.
Step 1: Begin with the Nervous System
Ever been on an airplane and listened to the attendent give their speech about putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others? That applies here too! When we feel bombarded by stressors, our nervous systems can end up in fight-or-flight mode for long stretches. This response is natural in moments of danger, but over time, constant activation can leave us drained and anxious. Being able to create stretches of joy and peace regardless of circumstances is a life changing skill to curate. Here are a few ways to help calm your system and bring yourself back to a place of regulation in times of constant distress:
Breathwork and Grounding – Techniques like slow, deep belly breathing help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for "rest and digest." Practicing deep breathing in moments of stress also signals to your brain that it’s okay to relax, even if only for a moment.
Somatic Practices – Gentle movement, like stretching or yoga, can be incredibly grounding. Releasing physical tension helps your body feel safe, and when the body feels safe, the mind often follows. Try adding small grounding rituals into your day—maybe five minutes of stretching each morning or evening. This is one way people like me can help, as a massage and somatic practioner I facilitate moments of deeper relaxation and the release of stored tension.
Mindfulness Moments – Even short moments of mindfulness can remind us that it’s okay to feel all that we’re feeling. Acknowledge that it’s natural to feel anxious or afraid and that those feelings don’t need to be solved or fixed immediately. Gently observing emotions as they arise without judgement helps soothe the brain and calm the body.
Step 2: Connect Through Community Support
During difficult times, one of the most powerful things we can do is build and lean on our communities. Grassroots organizing isn’t just about big movements; it’s about small, local connections that uplift us and remind us that we’re in this together. Here are a few steps to start fostering community resilience:
Form or Join a Local Support Group – Whether virtual or in person, creating a group where you can share experiences and resources is deeply grounding. If you’re interested in participating in something like that, Thrive Wellness Therapy will be offering some free group sessions and workshops where people can come together, learn self-regulation tools, and connect. Send me a message saying “support group” with your name, pronouns, age, and email address and i’ll add you.
Share Resources and Information– Sharing knowledge, whether it’s about mental health resources, local food banks, or wellness practices such as the ones I wrote above, is essential. A shared document, group chat, or online page for your community members can help keep everyone informed about resources.
Offer Mutual Aid – Mutual aid is about people directly supporting each other, whether through sharing food, childcare, or emotional support. Even small acts can make a huge difference for others and help build a culture of resilience and care. Start small and encourage people to participate in networks for mutual aid.
Step 3: Take Action and Advocate
Feeling a sense of agency is critical during challenging times. When things feel out of control, focusing on what you can control can be empowering.
Invest in Self-Care and Healing – Taking care of yourself is the foundation for resilience. It may sound simple, but showing up for yourself daily is one of the strongest acts of resistance. This includes everything from seeking massage or somatic therapy to spending time in nature or moving your body in ways that feel joyful and supportive to whatever creates pockets of vitality for you.
Lean Into Love and Joy - Two opposing emotions can exist at the same time. Throughout all of the fighting, tears, and bed rotting numbess - add in laughter and love here and there. With the threat of rights being further diminished, being joyful is one of the most revolutionary acts you can do. Organize a get together with loved ones and have a game night, watch some movies, or go to rage room.
Stay Informed and Engaged – If you feel moved to advocate for causes that align with your values, start by educating yourself. Read books, listen to podcasts, and most importantly please fact check! Focus on POC & marginalized communities voices because they have been doing this kind of work and living these hardships long term.
Love yourself, extend that love to people who deserve it, and do what you can to keep your head above water. Until next time friend. 🖤
