Hello Friend,

If you’re like me, you might feel the weight of the upcoming General Election. With every headline and social media scroll, a sense of unease may be quietly settling in, perhaps showing up as worry, a tension in the shoulders, or a quickening heartbeat. For some, it’s a steady undercurrent of fear; for others, it’s a more vague, restless energy that feels hard to shake. It’s normal to feel this way when big decisions are at stake, but it’s also heavy to carry.

If you can relate, this. Here are some helpful ways to manage election stress and find steadiness in these unpredictable times.

First, Let’s Understand Stress and Its Impact

Stress isn’t just a mental feeling; it’s a full-body experience. When you feel stressed, it’s because your body is activating the sympathetic nervous system—the “gas pedal” that kicks in whenever we sense a threat. This is the well-known “fight or flight” response, and it’s incredibly helpful in short bursts. Imagine a deer in the woods suddenly noticing a predator; that rush of adrenaline helps it escape quickly and survive.

However, our stress just doesn’t come from physical threats but mental and emotional ones too. For example, the anticipation of election results or the constant stream of divisive news can make our body think we’re in danger even when we’re safe. Over time, when we stay in this “gas pedal” mode, stress becomes chronic, impacting our health by exhausting the body and clouding our mental clarity. We miss out on peace because our minds are always on high alert.

Thankfully, we have another system—the parasympathetic nervous system, or the “brake” of the body. This calming system allows us to rest, recover, and restore balance. It’s here that we can come back to ourselves, slow down, and regain perspective.

Why Does the Election Cause Stress?

Most of what stresses us out has two qualities: it’s out of our control, and it’s often unknown. The upcoming election hits both points. Aside from casting our own vote—a powerful and sacred choice—we can’t control the outcome, and we don’t know what will happen next. Our mind, wired to avoid uncertainty, may spiral into worry or frustration. That worry can feel all-consuming if we don’t pause and recognize it for what it is: an attempt to control what’s out of reach.

So, What Can We Do to Manage Our Stress?

The good news is that even though stress is inevitable, we have tools to manage it. Here are a few simple, effective ways to reconnect with yourself and dial down that stress response:

1. Use the Breath to Find the Present Moment: Breathing is our direct line to calmness. Try taking a few slow, deep breaths, especially during moments of tension. When you focus on your breath, you signal your nervous system to shift into “rest” mode, helping you let go of that “fight or flight” response. Try it out right now. Practice Box Breathing — Breath-in for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4, repeat as many times as necessary. Notice the difference!

2. Meditation: Spending even five minutes in silence can be a balm for the mind. You don’t need to empty your mind; instead, focus on something simple, like your breath or a word that calms you. Meditation grounds you, helping the brain let go of the need to control and instead settle into the moment.

3. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful release. Let your worries flow onto paper without judgment. Sometimes, expressing fears gives them less power, and the simple act of writing can bring unexpected clarity and relief.

4. Exercise: Physical movement burns off excess adrenaline and can shift our emotional state. Go for a walk, stretch, or try some yoga to remind your body that it’s safe and secure.

5. Find Your Technique: Using a client-led approach from coaching, take a moment to ask yourself: What calms me? What has helped in the past when I’ve felt overwhelmed? Maybe it’s calling a friend, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Let yourself lean into these practices, trusting what works best for you.

In Conclusion

As the election draws closer, remember that our true power lies in focusing on what we can control. The outcome of this election, whatever it may be, is one chapter of many. Challenges will always arise, just as moments of beauty and joy will. By practicing these simple techniques, we build resilience—not just for this moment but for the future too.

Take a few breaths, feel the ground beneath you, and remind yourself that you have the tools to face whatever comes. Steady yourself, and know that, together, we can create peace in the spaces within us. Let’s keep moving forward, one steady step at a time.