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Change is a constant in politics, and with a new administration, it can sometimes feel like the world is turning upside down. Whether you're excited, anxious, or indifferent about the shift in leadership, it’s essential to stay grounded amid the chaos of news cycles, social media noise, and shifting policies. Remaining balanced and focused can help you navigate through the political storm and make sure your mental and emotional well-being doesn’t take a hit.
Here are some practical tips for staying grounded during the transition of power in a new administration:
1. Tune Out the Noise (When Necessary)
The media can often amplify fear, tension, and uncertainty. Constantly refreshing your news feed can lead to anxiety and overwhelm. While staying informed is essential, setting boundaries on how much news you consume can help you maintain peace of mind.
How to implement this:
Designate specific times in your day to check the news or scroll through social media, so you don’t feel the constant pull of negativity.
Unfollow accounts that only spread fear or outrage; instead, follow accounts that encourage positivity, mental health, or constructive discussion.
2. Control What You Can Control
One of the most stressful aspects of political change is the feeling of powerlessness. However, the truth is that you can’t control the policies or actions of the new administration, but you can control your response to them. Focusing on the things within your control can provide a sense of empowerment.
How to implement this:
Focus on your personal well-being, relationships, and community involvement. Strengthening your personal foundation helps weather external storms.
Take action in small ways that align with your values, whether that’s volunteering, donating to causes, or voting in local elections.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is the practice of staying present, focusing on the moment, and not getting caught up in worries about the future or regrets from the past. Meditation is a powerful tool to calm the mind and center your thoughts, helping to reduce anxiety.
How to implement this:
Set aside time each day to practice mindfulness, even if it’s just a few minutes. Pay attention to your breathing and surroundings to cultivate awareness.
Use meditation apps like Headspace or Calm to help guide you into a state of relaxation and balance.
4. Limit Political Discussions
While it’s important to engage in discussions and debates, they can quickly become emotionally charged and overwhelming. Instead of arguing for the sake of being heard, focus on meaningful conversations that seek understanding rather than division.
How to implement this:
Set boundaries with friends or family when political discussions arise. Politely let them know that you’re focusing on staying calm and positive.
Seek out diverse perspectives, but avoid engaging in hostile or unproductive debates that leave you feeling drained or frustrated.
5. Focus on Self-Care
Taking care of your body and mind is critical in maintaining balance. Physical health directly impacts your emotional and mental health. Regular exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep are foundational to staying grounded.
How to implement this:
Try to incorporate daily movement into your routine. Whether it’s yoga, walking, or more intense exercise, physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve your mood.
Create a sleep schedule to ensure you’re getting quality rest and avoiding the stress of exhaustion.
6. Connect with Your Community
When the political landscape feels uncertain, staying connected with your community can remind you that there are aspects of life that are stable and positive. Local community groups, family, and friends can provide a strong support network.
How to implement this:
Spend time with loved ones or volunteer for local organizations that support causes you care about.
Support your community through local businesses or events that promote connection and collaboration.
7. Remember Your Values
With so much external change, it can be easy to feel adrift. Reconnecting with your core values and beliefs can serve as an anchor, helping you maintain perspective and guide your actions.
How to implement this:
Reflect on what truly matters to you. Is it kindness, justice, equality, environmental stewardship, or something else? Stay aligned with those values regardless of the political climate.
Engage in activities and initiatives that align with your values, whether that’s advocating for a cause, supporting a charity, or practicing kindness in everyday interactions.
8. Embrace Change, But Don’t Be Defined By It
Change is inevitable, and it’s okay to feel uneasy about it. However, it’s crucial to remember that change, even when it feels daunting, often brings new opportunities for growth and progress. Embrace the transition as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and engage in your country’s democratic process.
How to implement this:
Approach change with curiosity rather than fear. Ask questions and seek to understand the bigger picture.
Embrace the idea that while things might not always be the way you want them, this is a moment in time that will eventually pass.
Final Thoughts
The transition to a new administration can stir up many emotions, but you have the power to remain grounded, centered, and focused on what truly matters. By tuning out the noise, controlling what you can, and taking care of yourself, you can weather the changes with confidence and clarity.
Staying grounded isn’t about ignoring the world around you but about cultivating a strong inner foundation that allows you to navigate through political changes without losing your peace. Remember, change is part of the natural cycle, and you can always find stability within yourself, no matter what’s going on outside.
If you're looking for support to staying grounded, or if this new administration is evoking issues within you that need tending to, please reach out!
Stephanie Post, PsyD., is an online clinical psychologist serving the San Francisco Bay Area and California. She is a certified EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, offering somatic therapy, parts-work, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for adults seeking healing from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma using a mind-body-spirit approach.
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