Navigating Political Turmoil: A Mindful Approach to the Upcoming Elections
As the upcoming elections approach, many of us are feeling a whirlwind of emotions—anxiety, fear, frustration, and even anger. It's not surprising, given the political landscape we’re facing. Whether it’s heated debates, polarizing news, or the uncertainty of what the future holds, this time can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being.
At Artist Eye Counseling, we recognize how deeply these emotions can affect you. It’s important to remember that while we may not control the broader political climate, we can control how we respond to it. By being mindful, compassionate, and kind—both to ourselves and others—we can navigate this period with more ease and reduce the anxiety and tension we may be carrying.
Why Do We Feel So Much Anxiety?
Political events have a direct impact on how safe and secure we feel about the future. Research shows that political stress can trigger the same fight-or-flight response in our brains as personal danger. According to a 2020 study, nearly 70% of Americans reported that the 2020 election was a significant source of stress in their lives . This anxiety stems from the uncertainty surrounding outcomes that could affect our jobs, health care, communities, and loved ones.
It’s normal to feel anxious or even fearful during times of uncertainty, especially when the stakes feel so high. The challenge is learning how to respond to these feelings in a way that doesn’t harm us or others.
Practicing Mindfulness to Manage Political Anxiety
Mindfulness is one of the most effective tools for managing anxiety, especially in uncertain times. By focusing on the present moment and observing our thoughts without judgment, we can reduce feelings of overwhelm and regain a sense of control.
Here are a few mindfulness practices you can try:
Pause and Breathe: When you feel the tension rising after hearing a news report or political comment, pause for a moment. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Focusing on your breathing helps shift your mind away from anxious thoughts and brings you back into the present.
Limit Your News Consumption: It's easy to get sucked into a 24-hour news cycle, especially during election season. Try limiting your exposure to news and social media. Set specific times to check in, and avoid engaging with heated discussions online that can fuel anxiety or anger.
Ground Yourself: Engage in grounding exercises that keep you focused on the present, like noticing your surroundings, paying attention to the sounds, smells, and textures around you. These small sensory moments can help break the cycle of anxious thoughts.
Use Positive Affirmations: Simple affirmations like "I am in control of my emotions" or "I can handle uncertainty" can help you stay centered during moments of stress.
Reducing Anger and Bridging the Divide
Anger is another common emotion many of us feel when discussing politics. It’s easy to become angry when we see views or policies that oppose our beliefs. However, holding onto anger can lead to disconnection and division in our relationships, families, and communities.
Here are ways to reduce anger and foster compassion:
Empathize, Don’t Attack: Instead of attacking or dismissing someone with opposing views, try to empathize with their perspective. This doesn’t mean you need to agree, but recognizing their humanity and understanding their emotions can reduce hostility. Studies have shown that empathy is a powerful tool for bridging divides and fostering cooperation .
Practice Self-Compassion: It’s important to be kind to yourself during this time. If you find yourself feeling angry or overwhelmed, take a step back and practice self-compassion. Acknowledge that these feelings are valid, but remind yourself that it’s okay to rest and take care of your emotional needs.
Engage in Meaningful Dialogue: Instead of heated arguments, aim for meaningful conversations. Focus on listening more than speaking, and try to find common ground. Even small agreements can help soften the divide and create more understanding.
Take Action: Sometimes, the best way to reduce political frustration is by taking action. Whether it's volunteering, voting, or supporting causes you believe in, channeling your emotions into constructive action can provide a sense of empowerment and relief.
Being Kind to One Another
One of the most important things we can do during this time is to remember the importance of kindness. The political landscape may feel divisive, but at the end of the day, we are all human beings navigating a complex world. Choosing kindness—even in the face of disagreement—helps create an environment where healing and understanding can flourish.
Kindness can be as simple as offering a smile to someone who seems stressed, refraining from engaging in hostile conversations, or sending a supportive message to a friend who’s feeling overwhelmed by the political climate.
Moving Forward Together
The upcoming elections may continue to stir strong emotions, but it’s crucial that we learn to navigate them in healthy, mindful ways. By practicing mindfulness, reducing anger, and showing kindness to ourselves and others, we can help ease the emotional burden that often accompanies political turmoil.
At Artist Eye Counseling, we encourage you to reach out if you find yourself struggling during this time. Our community is here to support you in navigating these challenges, so you can stay grounded and connected through it all.
Together, we can bridge divides, foster understanding, and create a more compassionate world—one mindful moment at a time.
Sources
American Psychological Association (2020). Stress in America 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis.
Zaki, J. (2019). The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World. Crown.