By Butch Freedman
One: Quit reading the news scrolls. The news* will only depress you. And mostly there’s nothing you can do about it. (*EDITOR’S NOTE: This does not apply to the Pioneer. Please keep reading the Pioneer. We’re here to give you the news and information you need, the truth and community connections.)
Two: Go for a walk. Or do anything out in nature. It will remind you that there is more to life than the horrors of the trump administration. Get your heart rate up and your mood mellowed out.
Three: Talk to friends and family. But not about politics. If you must, and I understand the urge, keep it brief. Then go on to other topics—like the weather, or your favorite team, even gossip—but not meanly.
Four: Watch television. I know, I know, TV can be a bit of a mindless pursuit. But who doesn’t need mindless these days.
Five: Go out to eat at a good restaurant. Hopefully you have one or two in your neighborhood.
Six: Cook a good meal. Maybe try a new recipe, then invite friends over to share it. Hopefully they will then return the invite. Socialization is good for the spirit.
Seven: Try something new. Take a class in pottery or underwater yoga. Drive to some place you’ve never been. Read a book that you wouldn’t ordinarily read.
Eight: Write in a journal. Keep it private. Get everything off your chest, or at least temporarily out of your brain.
Nine: Remind your family often how much you love them. Say it out loud. There’s no telling when you’ll have the next chance.
Ten: Find things to laugh about. Humor is healing. I like the old Marx Brothers films. But then I’m sort of weird.
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