What a stressful time this is. The forces at play often feel far larger than any one of us, and it can seem as though they have all the power. The sheer volume of data we encounter daily only adds to the confusion: it’s hard to tell what’s true. We can feel pulled in all directions, especially when political disagreements arise with those closest to us. The pain is real. It cuts deep.
As Election Day approaches, many of us feel the tension rise. As someone told me recently, it’s like waiting for a biopsy to come back. Every day brings uncertainty, feeding into the emotional chaos. For those who grew up in homes with instability or where adults were not trustworthy, this sense of powerlessness can feel all too familiar. These are big feelings.
But what can we do when we feel so small against such a massive tide of instability? It helps to remind ourselves of what we can control and what we can’t. For example, you can’t control what news your brother-in-law consumes or how other people interpret political events. But you can vote. You can also join forces with friends and neighbors to encourage others to vote — through phone calls, texts, or community outreach. These small actions add up.
Besides taking action, it’s essential to take care of your own nervous system. This is not about retreating or escaping the problems of the world. It’s about self-regulating, so you can continue to show up in meaningful ways. Forget arguing with people who disagree with you, especially those you’re close to. At this point that only leads to more stress. Limit your screen time to specific periods each day instead of scrolling through news and outrage memes nonstop.
For some people, mindfulness techniques like meditation are a great way to calm down, but for others, they can make the mind race even more. If that’s the case for you, focus on grounding yourself in your senses.
Go for a walk outside and feel the air on your skin. Take a run to shake off the stress. Cook something delicious and focus on the textures, smells, and flavors. Light a candle or take a scented bath, immersing yourself in the fragrance. Take a dance class in person or on YouTube. Listen to music that lifts your spirit or calms you down.
These are not distractions. These are tools for keeping yourself balanced so you can continue to be an active participant in making the world better.
You are not powerless. You are taking control where you can — by voting, by connecting with others, by honoring your values, and by taking care of yourself. That means you’re not only safeguarding your own well-being but also maintaining the strength to face whatever comes next.