Jaw pain possibly caused by intensely frowning and clenching at all my problems was ruining my life a tiny bit. Massaging the temple above the painful side of my jaw daily and convincing myself to smile and release the tension in my eyebrows has helped. Pro is that when you are consistently rubbing your temple in public you look like you’re solving a tricky thermodynamics equation or some equally thoughtful activity. If this is you, it also helps to sleep on your back so your teeth can‘t grind as easily.
I’m sick of feeling powerless so my new coping strategy is to not let a stupid system bully me into quiet despair. I’m learning how to use my state’s General Assembly’s online bill tracker and I’m subscribing to email updates for the agendas and the public hearings of the legislative committees I’m most concerned about. I’m memorizing all my legislators‘ names and emailing and calling regularly. Also: Check to see if your state’s Legislative Library has Libguides that explain in layman’s terms what bills are passing in your state and other educational/legislative resources you have freely available to you!!!
