If you live in the United States—or in any country or territory that is generally impacted by U.S. politics—you might be feeling anxious right now. 

No matter where you land on the political spectrum, I think we can all agree that this has been a tremendously stressful election cycle. And if you’re anything like me, you’re walking the tightrope of trying to stay informed while also taking care of your mental health and well-being.

There’s so much at stake, and the temperature in the country (and beyond) is very high right now. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or angry or nervous about the election and what may happen in the coming months, please know this: your feelings are valid. I see you, and I am with you. And honestly, I’m feeling the same way myself. 

So I thought I'd write this piece to remind myself and all of us to take a few deep breaths. I’m definitely no mental health expert, but as someone who has been navigating my own experiences with anxiety, depression, and a deep yearning for collective liberation for quite some time, I thought I’d share a few tips that help me when the world feels like it’s imploding. Perhaps they’ll help you, too: 

#1: Set boundaries around screen time. 

In other words, don’t doom scroll. I’ll be the first to admit that often I struggle with this. Even though it always starts with the intention of staying informed, it frequently spirals into an endless black hole of content that, at the end of the day, doesn’t actually energize me to take actions that will lead to justice and liberation in my community. Sometimes, I just end up feeling depressed or overwhelmed. And that doesn’t help anyone.

That said, here’s what I’m not suggesting: to avoid politics or current events altogether. I am a firm believer in the idea of collective liberation, and I see way too much bad advice out there that’s packaged as “self help” but is focused only on individual feelings or outcomes. Politics make you feel bad? Okay, just avoid them! No. That’s not a solution. And for many of us, it’s not even a realistic option. If you (like me) identify as a member of a marginalized community, checking out completely is not something we can afford to do. But what we can do is set some boundaries for ourselves. Everyone’s boundaries will look differently, but here are a few ways to reduce your screen time: 

• Set a timer for yourself to create an obvious “finish time” for your daily scrolling. 
• Delete your social media apps for a few days. 
• Actively communicate with your friends and family and ask them not to send you content that might activate your sense of doom. 
• Build intentional time into your daily schedule to do something else: get outside; go for a walk (if you are able to); listen to empowering music; journal; dance; cook or bake; read a book; snuggle a pet; take a bath; do something creative that nurtures your imagination.   

#2: Don’t isolate yourself. Engage with community. 

Even though I’m a borderline hermit who rarely likes to leave my house, I genuinely believe we are meant to navigate life in the company of other humans. I can tell you from personal experience that my anxiety thrives in isolation. But I always feel better when I’m engaging with people I love and trust, whom I can openly talk to about my struggles and fears, questions and disappointments, dreams and hopes. 

Just last night, I had a two-hour FaceTime call with my friend Ariel, who lives in California. Much of our conversation was about politics, but she is a trusted friend and a great listener, and we were able to openly process our general feelings about this election (including the dread that it’s been producing) while also talking about practical things we can do in our local communities to bring forth the kind of world we want to live in. 

Unlike doom scrolling—which often leaves me feeling depleted and stuck—I found myself feeling relieved, connected, and inspired by the conversation. Did it magically fix everything? Of course not. But it was a moment of true human connection, collaboration, and belonging. 

Find your people this week. You’ll need them. 

#3: Do something for others.

It can be so, so easy, in the name of modern, commercialized self-care, to fixate on our own, individual peace and happiness—and somehow not move beyond that. Don’t get me wrong; individual peace is absolutely important. But if you’re someone who has a tendency to stop there, I want to invite you to try to move past that if you can this week. 

Is there someone in your community you can help? A local charity or non-profit organization you can volunteer with? A resource you can offer to someone? Maybe there’s an elderly person in your neighborhood who could use your help with yard work or picking up groceries. Maybe you have a friend or family member who could use a baked treat or home-cooked meal. Or maybe it’s even simpler than that: someone you know is struggling and just needs a friend to talk to. Text or call them. Create space for them. Find a way to volunteer your time, energy, money, or skills to help someone else find a bit of peace and connection. 

One of my favorite bands, Lake Street Dive, has a great song called “Help Is On the Way” that’s about this very idea. I invite you to listen to it and let the message sink in.

I often think about what it would look like to live in a truly collective, liberated world. And I believe it starts with little intentional acts like the ones I listed above. I encourage you to find one simple action you can take this week to practice kindness, generosity, and hospitality. Because ultimately, that’s how we transform our world. Not through politicians and the systems of empire. But through empathy, human connection, and service to one another. 

#4: Feel your feelings.

It is absolutely okay to feel all kinds of emotions right now. Again, no matter where you are on the political spectrum, this election cycle has been tough on most of our nervous systems. 

Many of us are anxious. Some are excited. Others are grieving or downright terrified about the future. If you’re like me, you’re feeling a mix of emotions—including some that feel contradictory.

And that’s okay. Your feelings are real and valid. Please let yourself feel them. 

Find ways to ground yourself through actions like journaling, prayer, meditation, healthy discussions with people you trust, or physical activities (like walking or weight lifting) that can help you process your emotions. Just don’t ignore your feelings—even the uncomfortable ones—or criticize yourself for having them (especially if you’re not feeling entirely hopeful or positive right now).

Take a deep breath and remember: 

You’ve got this. We’ve got this.

Let’s lean into each other and get through this together. With kindness. Compassion. Generosity. And above all, love. 

Thanks for reading. 

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[If any of this resonates with you, please share it with a friend who might need similar encouragement. And feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts! I love hearing your feedback.]