Visit my show at the PSCCU Credit Union, Vashon, Washington May, June 2024 

Seven Steps for Surviving Election Season

If you’re prone to anxiety, the pre-election period can feel like an endless source of heart-thumping drama. The state of the world seems to hang in the balance—and yet there’s often little you can do to influence the outcome of the election.

But there is one thing you can always do: start with yourself. Here are seven steps you can take to navigate this season with more calm and sanity:

1. Steer clear of speculation

The media bombards us with the latest polls and other  “breaking news.” It’s tempting to see if your side is ahead, but ask yourself: “Will reading this poll change the election results?” Probably not. What it might do is churn your stomach or lead to frustrating, dead-end conversations. Avoid the temptation and focus on what you can control.

And conspiracy theories? (Even about the hurricanes…) If you see them coming—run.

2. Do what you can

Find ways to act. Your options might be limited, especially if you’re not in a swing state, but there’s always something you can do.

For example, I signed up to write non-partisan get-out-the-vote letters to people in Michigan. Having spent two years in grad school at the University of Michigan, I could genuinely write about my love for the state. I even decorated each of my 60 envelopes by hand—no one could mistake them for machine-generated! If just one person votes because of my letters, I’ll cheer.

My real reward was feeling like I was doing something, however small.


3. Pray (or think positive thoughts)

Prayer isn’t passive; it keeps me connected to my care for the world. I avoid prayers that ask for “my team” to win (though this year, I might reconsider…). People from all sides are praying for their teams, which puts God in an awkward position. Instead, I pray for what’s highest and best for the country—and for our better angels to prevail.

4. Practice passionate detachment

These words may seem contradictory—I call them a polarity. Passion comes from caring deeply; detachment reminds us that we may never fully understand the big picture or know what’s best for the world.

Do what you can, and let go of the outcome. (I didn’t say it was easy.)

5. Have your emotions but don’t let them have you

Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t let them run the show. This is a great time for a jumbo-sized dose of self-compassion. If you’re feeling anxious, angry, confused, or overwhelmed, remind yourself that you’re not alone. Bring in your inner comforter and speak kindly to yourself: “I know you’re worried about the election, and it feels dire. But while you despair, let’s be present and send ourselves some love. Let’s breathe together.”

This will help far more than lashing out, going for a reckless drive, or forgetting to feed dear Fido.


6. Get moving and be still

Moving and being may sound like contradictions (another polarity), but they both require breathing and can help clear your mind. When my anxiety is high (or I happen to hear polling numbers), my nervous system gets ready to face the saber-tooth tiger it thinks is lurking next door. Asking it to meditate is asking a lot, but taking a focused walk, running, or doing some exercise can be helpful.

On the other hand, stillness connects me to the beauty in the world that continues, no matter what’s going on with politics.  

Stillness can link me directly to the sacred, the ineffable, and the realization that so much of life is beyond our understanding.

And both bad times and good times will pass. 

7. Keep a just-in-case bag of tricks 

After the 2016 election, I found myself in a mess, curled up in bed, rocking back and forth, lamenting my broken dreams. This year, I’m planning ahead and packing an emotional “emergency kit.” While I have high hopes for the coming election, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

I’m gathering supplies like my “What I Love” list and a few go-too tools for resetting my nervous system. This week (thanks Wendy Mac) I learned a new one: five-finger drawing. It’s based on a proven neuroscience exercise called five-finger breathing, which helps if a team of worry-mongers is trying to hijack your brain. Both versions are multisensory and can help our nervous systems to relax and reboot. 


In the drawing variation:

Before you start, check in with your body. What do you notice? Now, place one hand on a piece of paper. With the other, use a pen or pencil to slowly trace the contour of your hand. Inhale as you ascend. Exhale as you descend. Pause in between. Go slow and steady. When you’ve reached the end, reverse the direction and draw back the other way. Pay attention to your breath. After a few rounds, stop. Check in with your body. What do you notice? Anything different? That’s it. [From Wendy’s Drawing Together Substack post.}

I hope these steps can help you navigate the next few weeks with more peace.

Remember, we’re in this for the long haul together.

5 Responses

  1. Sally,

    Thank you for these seven steps. So helpful, comforting, realistic, practical, and spirit saving. I have been dieting from the News, but your insights and guidance here allows me the opportunity to put some real form, substance, discipline into the diet.

    Thank you,

    Mike

  2. Sally,

    Thank you for these seven steps. So helpful, comforting, realistic, practical, and spirit saving. I have been dieting from the News, but your insights and guidance here allows me the opportunity to put some real form, substance, discipline into the diet.

    Thank you,

    Mike

  3. Love the envelope art, Sally. If I lived in the US I’d have loved to have done that right alongside you.

    After all these years, you continue to inspire me! Thank you for being you and sharing with the world.

    Carolyn

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