As Donald Trump’s inauguration took place, some Americans experienced heightened anxiety and a sense of hopelessness about the Republican’s return to the White House. In response, psychology experts suggested various activities to help people cope with the stress of Inauguration Day in a report by Time Magazine.
Mental health professionals recommended engaging in activities that provided a sense of control and emotional relief. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, a psychology expert at the University of California at Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, advised that exercise, creative projects, and small acts of kindness could help individuals regain emotional stability. She believed that activities such as working out, attending a performance, or simply smiling at strangers could improve mood and foster a sense of connection with others. People saw exercising in particular as a way to reclaim personal power, as it shifted their focus from political concerns to physical movement.
For those who felt overwhelmed, group crying was also suggested as a therapeutic release. Experts asserted that crying in the presence of supportive individuals could significantly speed up emotional recovery. They argued that people processed grief and anxiety more effectively when they shared their emotions instead of suffering alone.
Other recommended coping strategies included volunteering, journaling, and creating a vision board to focus on future goals. Some experts also encouraged engaging in “forest bathing,” a practice that involved immersing oneself in nature. Therapist Anindita Bhaumik suggested that spending time in natural surroundings could be a humbling experience, reminding people that political events were temporary, whereas nature endured.
Despite these scientifically backed strategies, not everyone took them seriously. Conservative filmmaker and activist Robby Starbuck mocked the recommendations, particularly the ideas of “forest bathing” and communal crying. In a post on X, he criticized the Time Magazine article, suggesting that it exemplified what he saw as the excessive sensitivity of some Democrats.
As the inauguration passed, many sought ways to manage their emotions. While some dismissed these methods, mental health professionals emphasized the importance of self-care during politically charged times. Whether through exercise, creative expression, or time in nature, experts suggested that individuals could find ways to navigate their feelings and maintain emotional resilience.
