Are you feeling stressed about the current political climate? Afraid you’ll lose your job or that our democracy is at stake? Your anxiety, stress, and worry are warranted. There have been a lot of changes that have occurred in a very short period of time. Not only might you wonder what might happen to you in the coming weeks, but you might wonder what’s ahead of us over the next 4 years?
Here are a few quick strategies to try to help manage stress and anxiety:
- Acceptance of what is not within your control. Acceptance does not mean we have to like what’s happening or approve of it. Minimize expending energy on things that are not within your control.
- Figure out what is in your control. Do you want to take action? If so, can you make phone calls to your local and state representatives? Join a protest? Are there local initiatives that are looking for volunteers that you can offer time to? Do you want to find another job in another industry? Get creative and think about what you might be able to do, if you want to do something. I stress the importance of “if” you want to. Most important in all of this is that you protect your own well-being. If it feels like getting involved in any way may further harm your own well-being, there is no shame in pressing pause or not engaging in efforts for change. You can always revisit your ability to contribute in the future as well. Another option if you’re tight on time and energy is perhaps donating to organizations that are trying to address many of the concerns citizens have at the moment.
- Mindfulness: Focus on the here and now. What has happened in just a few weeks inevitably may lead to ruminating for many about job security, where our country is headed, and what changes will be happening in the near future personally, locally, nationally, and globally. When our immediate ability to control is limited or nonexistent, you may find yourself ruminating as a subconscious effort to feel like you’re doing something about the situation. A certain level of planning for the future may be necessary if you anticipate changes in your job situation. However, we want to be careful and mindful of what we’re spending our mental energy on. Are we living in the past wondering what could have been if different actions were taken? Are we spending too much time in the future? Try to bring your attention to the only thing we’re promised… this very moment. There is no telling what will happen tomorrow or the next day. Try your best to live in the present moment and point the mind in the direction of what is most worth your energy and gives back to you in some way. Focus on fulfilling life moments and immerse your senses in those moments. Soak it in and find joy where you can.
- Limit media exposure. With the news and social media being flooded with new headlines everyday, it may be worthwhile thinking critically about what type of limits you want to place on your phone use. Constant exposure may only exacerbate stress and anxiety. If you want to be informed on what is happening, that is fine. Just take 10-20 minutes a day to soak in what happened in the day versus 3 hours a day taken in all at once or throughout the entire day in small increments.
- Draw boundaries with others regarding conversations about politics. If you feel it is wearing on your mental health to be talking excessively with others about what’s happening in the world, then don’t be afraid to let others know that you’d like to stay away from the topic.
Most importantly, seek care if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious. We’re here to help.