Five Tips for a Bad Trip

So, you’re telling me we’re only thirteen days into 2025 and everyone is losing their shit?

Welcome to the party!

If you’re new to the freakout fest (or what sometimes feels like a bad trip), there are some things that I want to share with you.. to make your experience more enjoyable of course!

NUMBER 1: Relax

I know, I know, as a woman, that is the last thing I want to hear when adrenaline is pumping and my fists are clenched but hear me out, a sound mind makes sound decisions. 

As humans, it is our natural instinct to fight or flight. When we are scared, in danger or in high stress situations, our brain and sympathetic nervous system are activated in a way that turns off our sound thinking and causes us to act in a way that is intended to preserve our life. 

Since I’ve been alive and living in America, my body has experienced 9/11, COVID-19, sexual assault, self harm, verbal abuse and a whole essays worth of fear, danger and high stress situations. This continued activity of the brain and sympathetic nervous system is not healthy for a human body. The effects of constant fight or flight are mental disorders, weakened immune system, changes to the brain, weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure.. Shall I go on??

You need to relax.

Take a day off work or school to take care of yourself. Go to your favorite restaurant, journal, go for a walk, wash your clothes, clean your house, hangout with friends, read a good book, whatever it takes to get your body back to homeostasis. 

NUMBER 2: FInd your tribe

This one should be self explanatory but it's not. Americans are hyper individualistic which means we act in a way that prioritizes self over society but as we’ve seen with the LA fires and Hurricane Helene, in times of desperate need, all we have is each other. The government isn't coming to save us therefore, we must rely on the people next to us.

If you know me, you know I love hosting events, this is why. In my darkest moments, I have always found  light in my community, in my tribe. 

Find local organizations, find volunteer opportunities, go out and actually talk to people. Put that damn phone down! There are people and places waiting to capture your heart!

NUMBER 3: Ride your wave

That was my saying all of 2024: “ride the wave”.

Now, I'm no surfer but I’ve done some research. According to Google, once you master the pop-up (going from laying on your stomach to standing), you are supposed to just ride the wave, with your knees bent and hips loose. You're supposed to look forward and avoid looking at your feet. 

Once you’re relaxed and have the support of your tribe behind you, you have the green light to just enjoy the wave you’re on. 

COWABUNGA dude!!

NUMBER 4: Believe that there is light on the other side

“The worst person you know just made a great point,” lives rent free in my head when I think of the quote President Snow said in one of the “Hunger Games” movies. He said, “hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” Truly let that marinate in your mind and spirit. Fear will transform the way your body operates, hope will transform the way the world operates. 

Allow yourself to hope for better days, better times, better outcomes. Then, NUMBER 5 is simply, allow that hope to ignite creativity in you to create better days, better times and better outcomes. 

I don’t know if this is the Bad Place, a dream or simply a bad trip, all I know is these five things have helped me to stand tall and face the world another day. My hope is that you take these steps and face it with me.

My Eyes are Set On: a better experience.