Well, it finally happened. The 45th President of the United States of America has been officially sworn into office. Although you’re probably still mourning the departure of our beloved former first family, your bank account and bills are telling you to head into the office on Monday. Chances are, you’ll spend the rest of the week navigating awkward conversations with your co-workers about what you did on Friday and your political convictions.
You’ve probably been asking yourself, what happens now that he's in office? Maybe, you’re in the process of organizing support for the next round of campaigns or plotting your own run for public office. Maybe, you’d rather fast forward through these next years without having to acknowledge the new POTUS at all. Regardless, you probably don’t want Amanda from HR, or your boss meddling in your business. Have no fear, here’s a short guide on how to make it through the week and the weeks to come. 
Don’t forget your headphones/use your headphones.
Monday will be the perfect day to listen to your favorite playlist or catch up on the podcasts you’ve been meaning to listen to. Drown out the sounds of neighboring cubicles to the melodic tunes of Kendrick Lamar, 2Pac, DMX, KRS-One, Chance the Rapper, Queen Latifah, NWA, A Tribe Called Quest and Robert Glasper.
Avoid all communal vessels that dispense drinks.
I don’t know what it is about water coolers and coffee machines, but people love to congregate in those areas. It takes less than a minute to fill up your cup, yet there’s always that one co-worker who takes your liquid break as an opportunity to interrogate you. Spare yourself the mundane banter and drink your coffee/tea before you head to the office and bring your own water.
Treat your rest and lunch breaks like a mini retreat.
Today isn’t the day to rest or eat at your desk. Grab your lunch and leave. Go to another floor, building or cafeteria and enjoy a moment of peace. Treat yourself to that café around the corner.
Feel free to walk away from foolishness.
Know your cue to walk away when conversations start to become a little too much to handle. Better to leave than to potentially lose your job for cussing out Bob from accounting. Today is not the day to let Bob have it.
Take a mental health day.
If you’re fortunate to have paid time off or sick days, use them! We all need a break every once in awhile. Commit to spending at least one day in over the next month to decompress and chill. Catch up on Luke Cage, Insecure, or Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Turn off your work devices and lay low.
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