August: Navigating Election Season Stress: Your Empowerment Guide

Elaine Raif • August 23, 2024

It’s difficult to predict what the times ahead will be like as we enter this election season.

 

Politics and the upcoming elections can be a significant stressor, especially as elections introduce an uncertainty around policies that impact our very lives and communities. As 2024 progresses, the political climate and dialogue around it can also create interpersonal conflict.


There is no one way to navigate political stress… The ways in which this upcoming election season impacts us, will vary… And still, we all need a starting point.


Look for the helpers. The “helpers” are those who are able and choose to be of service to our communities, to humanity. They are the ones who dedicate their time and stand in their bravery to have a positive impact in our world. Find them in your circles and in your neighbors. Doing so has some balancing effect on the instability of these political times.


Continue to seek out your community. It may offer us relief to know there are people we can trust with our feelings, thoughts and beliefs without judgement. 


Live out your values. Ensuring that we are living closely aligned to our values reminds us of what’s important and what we can control in our daily lives. Make the choices and engage in ways that highlight your values— It is a powerful way to both influence the political climate and help us stay true to ourselves during stressful times.


Written by: Elaine Raif

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