Bounce Back Like Kamala: Resilience Tips We Can Steal from the VP Nominee

Kamala's Recipes for Resilience: Mental Health Tips We Can Steal from the VP Nominee

Let’s be real — adulting in 2024? A lot. Whether it’s balancing a dozen things at once or just keeping up with the constant stream of news, staying resilient is essential, especially with the election heating up. So, who better to look to for some rock-solid resilience inspo than Kamala Harris? She’s literally the VP nominee, stepping up for one of the most high-pressure elections ever. And somehow, she still radiates calm confidence. How? Turns out, Kamala’s got a toolkit of mental health practices that keep her grounded, focused, and (somehow) sane through all the madness. And the best part? They’re totally doable for the rest of us, too. From setting boundaries to laughing off the chaos, here’s how Kamala builds resilience — and how we can borrow her strategies for our own lives.

1. The Power of a Morning Routine — Or “Me Time” Before the Madness

Kamala has said that her mornings are sacred. Before she dives into a day full of, you know, potentially running the country, she takes a few moments for herself. No screens, no emails, just some quiet time. And honestly? This is huge. A solid morning routine is like grounding yourself in the eye of a storm. It could be five minutes of stretching, sipping your coffee without rushing, or even just breathing deeply. Kamala keeps it simple: she believes in those moments of clarity and self-connection to keep herself mentally strong. So next time you’re tempted to scroll TikTok first thing, maybe take a Kamala-inspired pause instead.

2. A Tribe That’s Got Your Back

One of Kamala’s biggest mental health hacks? Her people. She’s open about relying on her friends, family, and close colleagues. Her husband, Doug, is her rock — but she’s also got this whole crew who have her back, whether she’s out on the campaign trail or just needs a laugh to unwind. Think about it: who’s in your corner? Kamala reminds us that having people to lean on is crucial, whether it’s your childhood bestie, your roommate, or even your mom (yes, mom counts too). Building and maintaining these relationships can be a serious lifeline when life throws curveballs.

3. Find Your North Star

One of Kamala’s mantras is that she’s always guided by her purpose — her “North Star.” For her, that’s advocating for justice, equality, and creating a better future. In moments of high pressure, she keeps her mission in mind, and it gives her the resilience to push through. So what’s your North Star? Finding that sense of purpose, even if it’s just a small goal for now, can make everything feel a bit more manageable. Whether it’s pursuing a degree, creating art, or just living authentically, anchoring yourself in purpose gives you a sense of direction when life feels all over the place.

4. Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries

Kamala’s schedule is nuts, but she knows where to draw the line. She’s said that she consciously sets boundaries to make sure she doesn’t burn out. When she’s “off,” she’s actually off, no checking emails at midnight or getting lost in work 24/7. And Gen Z, we need this reminder badly. Hustle culture might have us believing that grinding 24/7 is the way to success, but it’s not sustainable. Kamala shows us that setting boundaries is not just okay, it’s necessary. So go ahead — close your laptop, turn off your notifications, and give yourself permission to rest.

5. Staying Active — But Make it Fun

Kamala has mentioned that staying physically active is a big part of her mental resilience. She isn’t hitting the gym to break records; it’s more about keeping her mind and body in sync. Whether it’s taking a quick walk, doing some yoga, or even dancing it out, the goal is to keep moving in a way that feels good, not like a chore. And science backs her up here: regular movement can actually help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. So find something you enjoy — whether it’s dancing in your room or a quick skateboarding sesh — and keep moving.

6. The Art of Laughing it Off

This might be Kamala’s secret weapon: humor. Have you seen her laugh during a debate or speech? She knows how to let things roll off her back, often with a little laugh. It’s a reminder that even in the heaviest of moments, finding something to laugh about can be grounding. Whether it’s watching your favorite comedy, joking around with friends, or just finding the humor in the chaos, laughter is seriously underrated as a resilience tool.

7. Being Present: One Moment at a Time

Kamala lives in the fast lane, but she makes an effort to stay present. She’s said that she tries to focus on one thing at a time — like really listen to a friend instead of thinking about the next campaign move, or savoring a good meal when she gets the chance. This is mindfulness in action. It’s about being where you are, instead of racing ahead in your mind. It can be as simple as noticing the feel of your coffee cup in your hands or taking a minute to look around and appreciate what’s around you. Life feels way less overwhelming when you’re not living in tomorrow’s problems.

8. Turning Failures into Fuel

Kamala’s career has had its share of ups and downs, but she’s never shied away from setbacks. She’s been open about facing obstacles and using them as fuel to push forward. This isn’t some “rise and grind” rhetoric; it’s about learning from each experience, using failures as stepping stones, and seeing setbacks as setups for comebacks. When things don’t go as planned, Kamala’s approach is to find the lesson and keep moving forward. It’s a resilience-building mindset we could all use a bit of in our own lives.

9. Self-Compassion, No Matter What

Kamala emphasizes the importance of self-compassion — and not being too hard on yourself. The pressure on her is intense, but she doesn’t let herself fall into a pit of self-criticism. She gives herself grace, acknowledges when things are tough, and treats herself with kindness. This is a lesson for all of us: sometimes, being resilient isn’t about powering through; it’s about slowing down, forgiving yourself, and realizing that you’re doing the best you can.

So, there you have it — Kamala’s resilience recipe, served up for all of us to try. These aren’t complicated life hacks; they’re real strategies that keep her steady in one of the toughest jobs out there. Maybe you won’t be on a debate stage anytime soon, but you will have times when life feels overwhelming. When that happens, take a page from Kamala’s playbook: breathe deeply, lean on your crew, and don’t forget to laugh. If Kamala can juggle a high-stakes campaign and stay mentally grounded, we’ve got a shot at resilience too. It’s about balance, boundaries, and self-compassion. Next time life gets chaotic, you know whose mental health moves to steal.

Stay tuned for more life hacks and election insights at Woke Waves Magazine.

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