Practical Strategies for Managing Election Anxiety Mindfully

As much as I want to offer perfect guidance, I admit that I, too, feel overwhelmed with the election as well.

From a mental health perspective, I truly don't know the best ways to engage with the news and prepare for the upcoming changes, and I haven't found a lot of great resources (yet) for guidance.

That’s why I asked my network of friends and fellow therapists to gather support and advice for the upcoming election changes. You can view the advice and resources here.

If you have a tip, podcast, book, or other recommendation that helps you navigate election-related stress, I’d also love to hear from you.

My goal is to create a community-driven resource list to support us all during this time. A simple link or note works—just send it my way, and I’ll be sure to compile and share it.

In the meantime, here are some strategies that I’m planning to use (imperfectly) and that you might also consider.

5 Ways to Navigate Election Anxiety

1. Attend Community-Oriented Events on Election Night

I just signed up for an election night yoga class at my local studio. Maybe your neighborhood studio has one too? While I wish I possessed the power to change the results by staring at the TV and watching the news come in, I've accepted that I unfortunately cannot. Instead, I'm going to be with community and attempt to be in my body. 

2. Consume News Mindfully

It's important to stay informed. And it's important to take care of yourself. Prep for the news cycle to be overwhelming, and take in what you can. I like listening to the NPR News Now each morning and stick to one podcast/day.

I do not consume any news on social media. 

(Right now, for me, this is what works best. Listen to what works for you. There's no one-size-fits-all model).

3. Join Movements Aligned with Your Core Values

I'm going to start attending the Mind Our Democracy talks later this month. I plan on rereading The Way of Tenderness.

Again, I don't know what to do, but it's a start.

4. Commit to Joy

Amid the stress and uncertainty, making space for joy is vital.

Remember, just like the Lotus Flower grows in muddy waters which requires both darkness and light, and the yin/yang had lightness in the dark, we need moments of light to endure the darkness.

Joy doesn’t dismiss the challenges we face—it helps us persevere. Whether it’s a hobby, a walk in nature, mini moments of gratitude, or quality time with loved ones, find ways to invite joy into your day.

5. Remember the Basics

In times of high stress, it’s easy to forget the fundamentals.

Don’t forget to eat three balanced meals a day, move your body, and prioritize sleep.

Running on an empty tank won’t help fuel the revolution.

Leaning Into Community and Centering Mindful Practices

By centering these practices and leaning into community support, we can navigate election anxiety with a bit more empowerment and embodiment.

And remember, I’m here to learn alongside you—let’s keep the conversation going.

Here’s the  list of crowd-sourced support and advice.

I'll continue to add the responses to the Google Doc as they come in, feel free to share with others! 

More notes from the blog:

Julie Goldberg is a licensed therapist and the founder of Third Nature Therapy. Her practice focuses on helping individuals better understand their inner world, befriend their nervous system (instead of working against it), and navigate changing relationships. She offers somatic therapy, EMDR intensives, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY.