Hi Friends,
With the high-stakes election just around the corner, it’s not a surprise so many of us are feeling anxious. According to a recent survey, 7 out of 10 Americans feel stressed or anxious about the upcoming election. And since America leads the world in so many ways, this election feels important to many non-Americans too.
Political anxiety can feel heavy, and it often stems from fear—fear of uncertainty, outcomes, or even conflict with those around us. Sometimes, that fear shows up as anger, frustration, or sadness. And if friends, family, or colleagues around us don’t share our views, it might not feel safe to express ourselves, leading to even more uncomfortable emotions.
It’s important to know that it’s completely normal to feel this way—politics can stir up a lot of emotions, and that’s okay.
To help manage these feelings, I’ve created a guided meditation specifically for election anxiety. This practice offers a moment of calm amidst the noise, allowing you to step back, breathe, and find some peace.
▶ Watch: Political Anxiety Meditation | Feeling stressed about politics? You're not alone!
What else can we do to reduce our stress levels?
While we can’t control the outcome of elections, we can control how we respond to the stress surrounding it. Here are a few strategies that can help keep stress in check during this election season:
Acknowledge and Accept the Stress
It’s completely natural to feel stressed during a high-stakes election, especially when so many around us feel the same. Instead of fighting these feelings, try to acknowledge them.
Sometimes, simply naming what we’re feeling—whether it’s frustration, worry, or uncertainty—can help reduce the intensity. Knowing others feel this way can remind us we’re in this together. The meditation above will help to guide you through these emotions in a structured way.
Practice Mindful Breathing
Even a brief daily breathing exercise can help calm the mind. Start with a deep inhale, hold for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Just a few deep breaths can bring you back to the present and ease tension.
Limit Media and Social Media Exposure
While staying informed can be useful, overexposure to news can heighten anxiety and become unhelpful. Try setting limits—maybe checking the news only once in the morning and once in the evening—to stay updated without feeling overwhelmed.
Shift Focus to What’s Within Your Control
Small, meaningful actions like voting, supporting causes you care about, or connecting with those who share your values can help ground you. Taking action is empowering and can counterbalance feelings of helplessness.
Take Care of Yourself
As the election approaches, remember to prioritise your well-being. Even small steps, like a daily breathing practice or taking a few minutes for yourself, can make a big difference.
Mindfulness For Strivers
On my new ‘Mindfulness for Strivers’ channel, you’ll find a series called “The Daily Striver.” I share a quick (5-7 minute) meditation focused on a different theme.
These meditations will help you reduce stress, sharpen your focus, and set yourself up for success. In addition to these meditations, I’ll give you tips, tools, and techniques to help you avoid burnout and thrive in your work and personal life.
“Unlocking Deep Focus.” is available now 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
▶ Watch: Unlocking Deep Focus: A Guided Meditation | 'The Daily Striver' with Chibs Okereke
If you find this newsletter helpful, feel free to forward it to someone else who might benefit from these tips.
Stay calm, stay grounded, and take care.
Chibs Okereke
