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Your Vote, Your Voice —Stand Strong, Stay Calm in Election Season

Writer's picture: Dr. Larry GoodmanDr. Larry Goodman

As election season approaches, the atmosphere can become charged with tension, anxiety, and division. Campaign ads flood our screens, political debates intensify, and opinions from every side come at us fast, pulling us into a whirlwind of emotions. It’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future during this time.


In fact, one of my clients, Sarah (not her real name), came to me last year around election time feeling exactly that—overwhelmed, stressed, and torn between conflicting viewpoints. She found herself constantly checking the news, scrolling through social media, and engaging in heated conversations with family members. She said, “I’m losing sleep, my anxiety is through the roof, and I don’t even know what to believe anymore.”


Her experience is not unique. Many of us feel the pressure of election season, not just from making an important decision but from the stress of navigating through the noise, opinions, and sometimes divisive rhetoric that comes with it.



The Impact of Election Anxiety


Election-related stress is a well-documented phenomenon. According to a 2020 survey by the American Psychological Association, more than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. said the upcoming election was a significant source of stress in their lives. This stress can manifest in a variety of ways: sleeplessness, irritability, tension in relationships, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or an upset stomach.


Sarah was feeling the weight of this anxiety. Like many, she had tied her emotional well-being to the outcome of the election. The constant barrage of campaign messaging made her feel like she had to choose sides or argue her point endlessly. The stakes seemed incredibly high, and the divide between political factions felt wider than ever.



Taking a Step Back: The Power of Mindfulness


When Sarah came to me, I could sense that she was amid this political storm. My first recommendation was for her to take a step back from the constant stream of news and information. While it's important to stay informed, it’s equally important to protect your mental health and avoid being swept away by the endless flow of negative or conflicting information.

We worked on mindfulness techniques to help her ground herself in the present moment. This included simple practices like taking breaks from the news, meditating, or even going for a walk to clear her mind. I encouraged Sarah to start her day with five minutes of deep breathing and silence, allowing her mind to reset and reconnect with her inner peace before diving into the day's events.


Mindfulness Tip: Try dedicating a specific time each day for media consumption rather than staying glued to your phone or TV all day. Give yourself permission to unplug from the political noise, and remind yourself that your vote will still count, even if you’re not engaging with every piece of news or debate.




Finding Clarity Amid the Noise


One of the most significant shifts in Sarah’s journey was realizing that the anxiety she felt wasn’t necessarily about the election itself but about the uncertainty and tension that surrounded it. By cultivating a sense of inner calm and clarity, Sarah began to make decisions from a more grounded place. She realized that it wasn’t necessary to engage in every political conversation, and she could focus on what mattered most to her—her values and the future she wanted to see.


Together, we outlined a plan to help her stay calm during the election period:


  1. Focus on What You Can Control: I encouraged Sarah to redirect her energy from the things she couldn’t control—such as the opinions of others or the outcome of the election—to the things she could. For her, this meant voting, volunteering, and having respectful discussions rather than heated arguments.

  2. Fact-Check and Research from Trusted Sources: With so much information swirling around, it’s crucial to rely on reputable sources. Sarah and I worked on practicing discernment—questioning sources, looking at issues from multiple angles, and taking time to form her own informed opinion rather than reacting to every sound bite.

  3. Set Boundaries: Sarah learned to set healthy boundaries in her conversations with family and friends. When political debates became too heated, she gave herself permission to step away and avoid unproductive or harmful discussions.

Clarity Tip: Write down the top three values that are most important to you when it comes to voting. These core values can serve as a compass, helping you stay focused on what matters most to you, even when the political noise tries to pull you in different directions.




A Lesson for All of Us


Through our sessions, Sarah came to an important realization—this election, like all others, would come and go, but her mental health and well-being would remain. She understood that while her vote was important, it wasn’t necessary to lose herself in the chaos of the political process. Instead, she could choose to stand firm in her values, make an informed decision, and let go of the rest.


This is the takeaway I want to offer to all of you: Your vote matters, but your mental health matters too. You have the power to step away from the chaos, refocus on what is important, and vote from a place of peace and clarity.


So, as election season draws near, I encourage you to take care of your mental and emotional well-being. Don’t let the noise drown out your voice. Stay grounded, stay informed, and stay true to yourself.




How You Can Take Action Today


Here are a few steps you can take to remain calm and clear-headed during this election season:


  • Practice mindfulness daily: Even five minutes a day can help you find peace amid the noise.

  • Set boundaries with media and social media: Limit your news intake and avoid getting drawn into unproductive debates.

  • Get clear on your values: Knowing what matters most to you will guide your decisions and help you remain focused.

  • Reach out for support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to someone. You don’t have to go through this alone.

If you’d like support in managing election-related stress or any other challenges in your life, I’m here to help. Together, we can work on strategies to keep you grounded and resilient, no matter what life throws your way. Schedule a free discovery call today at www.goodmanfactor.com.

Your Vote, Your Voice—stand strong and stay calm amidst the election noise. Let’s walk through this season with clarity, peace, and purpose.


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1 Comment


Linville Meadows
Linville Meadows
Oct 17, 2024

Beautifully written, my friend. Neighbors before politics.

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