Ahead of the president’s 100th day in office, we asked Guardian readers how they’re handling the Trump administration. Here are their responses

Donald Trump’s 100th day in office as president of the United States is quickly approaching (29 April, to be exact), and ahead of the marker we asked Guardian readers how they’re coping with the new administration.

Many respondents noted that they’d become more politically active, getting involved at the local level or donating to progressive causes:

We have increased our financial support for the ACLU, and LGBT groups like Glaad and Lambda Legal. Our Lutheran congregation has held a series of forums on immigration rights, support for refugees, and broadening our welcome to all types of people. I am also reading more rightwing news and blogs than previously, just to stay up on their perspective. — Van Harrison, 61, Washington



I’m hanging out with my dogs (who are above the political fray), listening to NPR, watching The Daily Show, calling congresspeople – and counting the days until 2018. — Shelley Fitzgerald, 61, Massachusetts

Others took the election as a prompt to step back from social media, or engage in a little more self-care:

I’ve found a good therapist and started meditating ... Often I find myself feeling horrified for my future and that of my future children, but I will continue to resist Trump’s presidency and climate denial because all of our lives depend on all of us fighting for what’s right. — Aleasha Le Miere, 28, Colorado

Immediately after the election, I had to take a break from social media. These days, I’m back on, but making an effort to focus my time on positive people and reputable, newsworthy posts. As counter-productive as this may seem, I’m also surrounding myself with people who share my liberal political beliefs, who see the value in immigrants, who believe in women’s rights, etc. I know we’re supposed to be “bursting our political bubbles”, but I find it more rewarding to share with likeminded souls, and use our time and energy to mobilize those like us to shake things up in the next election cycle. — Philippa Lockwood, 31, California

Simply, I am not coping. I am starting to avoid the news, because frankly my sanity is at risk. That – and I am watching more cat videos than any human should have to watch to stay cheerful. — Nicole Stewart, 40, Alaska

The election painted the opposing views of many Americans in stark relief, and several respondents spoke of having to adjust their own outlooks or behaviors as the much of the electorate remains at loggerheads:

I am adjusting to a new world. It is not only the Trump presidency I need to cope with, it is a world that seems so polarized and full of conflict, rather than love. Perhaps the biggest personal adjustment has been a humbling one: living in California, I realize that I am out of touch with a large part of the country. I am listening more, and trying to understand how the prior administration failed to respond to much of middle America. I am still optimistic – I feel that our government is fair. It may be frustratingly slow to change and adapt, but right now that is a good thing. — Beatrice Schumacher, 63, California

I’ve had to change the way I talk to people with political opinions I find reprehensible (generally Republicans and libertarians). I can’t afford to agree to disagree anymore ... In general, I try to stay as busy as possible, taking on art and music projects. I’m probably drinking too much. — Andrew E., 29, Ohio

Andrew E was far from the only reader who mentioned throwing back a cold one – or three – as his coping mechanism:

Alcohol. — Robert Mader, 26, District of Columbia

Gin and ginger. — Nate Kellenbenz, 31, Maryland

Whiskey. — David Truland, 61, New York

And when all else fails, there’s the old fallback: rationalize it to yourself!

How am I coping with Trump’s presidency? I just tell myself over and over again, ‘This has to end soon’ ... Right? — Amber Wardzinski, 37, California

Have your own coping mechanisms for the Trump presidency? Share your thoughts in the comments.