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Well, here we are: Elections 2024. They’ve felt never-ending, and while I don’t have a crystal ball, I imagine they’ll keep feeling this way for the next few months. Candidly, everything feels tremendously unstable, and trying to make sense of things that don’t make sense is really fucking hard. For me, this election has stirred up waves of fear, anxiety, anger, and even a touch of PTSD from the last two cycles. Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s the “practice” of going through this a third time—whatever it is, I feel like I’ve developed stronger coping mechanisms and better emotional regulation.
One thing that’s really helped me is making peace with uncertainty. Like it or not, it’s here to stay. The best thing I can do is focus on building my own internal stability and strengthening those coping mechanisms. If I want to see change in the world, I have to keep going—and I can’t keep going without boundaries and a sense of emotional regulation.
With that in mind, I’m sharing some of the things I’ve been doing (or plan to keep doing) to stay somewhat sane during a time when I really shouldn’t be. I’m not a therapist or mental health professional—just a woman with an opinion on the internet—so this isn’t meant as medical advice. If you need support, please consult a mental health professional (see below). With love, take care of yourself and the ones you love, and stay grounded.
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Go Touch Grass
Be outside, be with the earth. Not to be too much of a woo-woo spiritualist or anything, but nature is deeply healing. I get it, easier said than done for some people. But I believe that being outside, soaking up sunlight, appreciating the earth, and really connecting with it can be so grounding. While I won’t be near mountains for this election cycle, they’ve always felt nurturing to me. Knowing this giant rock has been here for thousands of years before me—and will be here for thousands more—makes me feel small in the best way possible. It helps me step outside my own head for a moment. Trees offer a similar peace. Take advantage of whatever nature is accessible to you.
Take Social Media & News Breaks
Honestly, this feels essential to staying level-headed during the election cycle or in any high-conflict time. We’re bombarded with constant news, often intertwined with social media, and that endless feed can make daily life feel overwhelming. So log off for a bit. Set specific times for checking in on news or social media, and consider turning off notifications altogether. Take some accountability—while we can’t control everything, we can control how much information we let in.
Double-Check Your Sources
It’s an election; misinformation and disinformation are bound to be everywhere. Previous cycles saw bots spreading disinformation. So, be vigilant. Check your sources, even if they’re from a political content creator you trust. A quick Google search can work wonders. If you’re interested, I’ve got a list of some of my favorite articles and books on fact-checking and navigating social media. I also recently enjoyed this article about the current state of social media fact-checking from CNN.
Make Something with Your Hands
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something tangible. Watching it take form and literally come to life can be beautiful. It could be anything: an overly ambitious DIY, a floral arrangement, a hearty fall dish, a very questionable abstract painting, or, if you’re really a masochist, a popsicle stick model of your sleep paralysis demon. Whatever it is, get your hands into it.
Get Physical
Moving my body really helps regulate my mind. Whether it’s taking a few moments in the morning to meditate, stretch, and set intentions, going for a hike, or lifting weights in the gym, physical movement keeps me connected and present. Focusing on my breathing, my heart rate, and just being in my body—it’s grounding. In chaotic times, it’s easy to feel disconnected, but slowing down and intentionally engaging with my body helps me push through that feeling.
Engage with Escapist Content
I think having a healthy balance of knowing what's happening in the world and engaging with some escapist content is important. We need to balance the heavy energy with the light. Like, babes, in my head, I will be spending a significant amount of time with Rodeo, Heather, Frenchie, Meghan, and the infamous Blondtourage from Rock of Love Bus (season 3) because I don’t want nothin’ but a good time. So go spend some time balancing yourself—engage with what brings you joy, even if that’s candle vloggers.
Consult a Mental Health Professional
I won’t say much on this—sometimes, a pro is just necessary. What if you just called your therapist up?
Work Your Fucking Ass Off
This wouldn’t be my list without some toxic girlboss-level shit. I hate to say it, but work can be a beautiful distraction sometimes—especially if you think big picture about what “work” really is. Are you a creative? Set aside time to finally start that newsletter or podcast you’ve been meaning to, and spend hours researching mics. Keep yourself busy. I’ve found that work gives me a sense of purpose, and I don’t just connect it to my 9-5. I connect it to so many other things. Find your ambition and run towards it.
Pay Attention to Negative Coping Mechanisms
Listen, we all have coping mechanisms we’re not proud of. Shopping tends to be mine (which is also how I celebrate, so it’s a bit twisted). And in high-stress situations, we’re more likely to fall back on these habits. But ask yourself: what about this brings me comfort, and how can I maybe channel that somewhere else? I’ve also found that allowing myself space for mistakes helps me recognize patterns I don’t want to keep and move away from them more quickly. Which reminds me, if you see me with a new purse or pair of shoes, no you fucking didn’t—mind your business.
Stop Fighting with Potential Allies
One of the hardest truths I’ve had to accept is that there might be people who agree with me—we might share the same end goal—but we don’t always agree on how to get there. It’s taken me longer than I’d like to admit to be okay with that. If I’m truly passionate about the things I care about, then I have to work with people I don’t 100% align with. We’re fighting the same battle, and alienating someone over some political purism shit isn’t helpful. We all need to get better at meeting people where they are and working together to move forward.
Stay Mindful in Your Conversations with Others
Tensions are high, and people are stressed, so some of that stress might get displaced, spilling over into other parts of people’s lives. I’m choosing to be empathetic and understand that the world feels heavy for everyone right now. Escalating things isn’t the move—if it’s something major, let’s come back to it later. I’m not saying let people walk all over you or tolerate everything, but I am saying to take a beat and let things cool down.
I hope some of these help. Times are really heavy right now. As always, take what resonates and leave what doesn’t.
If you are looking for mental health resources, here’s a list that may be helpful.
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