Tipes on Coping with Political Divide

Tips on Coping with Political Divide

We are living in divided and polarizing times. Many people are feeling stressed and anxious about what is happening in the world and the uncertainty of the future. With all that is going on, it is good to stay informed, but following the news can seem overwhelming. Here are tips for coping with the current national and global tensions:

 

Set boundaries with social media and the news.

Try to limit your social media and news intake. Be mindful of how you feel after consuming news or spending time on social media. If the content you are experiencing is leading you to feel angry or anxious then it is ok to take a temporary or even permanent break from it. Be mindful of your mental and emotional capacity before logging on. It is ok to unfollow, unfriend, or block people or news sites that you find triggering or that don’t align with your values.

 

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all the negative things happening in the world right now. There might be many causes that you want to speak up and fight for, but that can lead you to feeling overwhelmed, spread thin, or hopeless. Try picking a few causes that you feel passionate and informed about, and focus your time and energy advocating for those causes. It’s ok to speak out. The world has had its problems and divisions. Remember that the rights and freedoms that we enjoy today were fought for by brave people who stood up throughout history. Find your voice; it feels good.

 

Control what you can control.

It is important to balance trying to stay informed with what is going on in the world and finding happiness in our own lives. To control what you can control, focus on identifying what is within your power.

• Practice mindfulness to regulate emotions,
• Acknowledge your feelings. Be aware of your emotions and how they influence your behaviour, allowing you to address them constructively and make informed decisions.
• Develop coping mechanisms to deal with stressors outside your control. Spend time doing activities that bring you joy in life. Engage in activities like exercise or hobbies and getting outdoors. Spend time with supportive people or seek help from a professional.
• Prioritize your time. Determine what is most important to you and what helps you feel happy and healthy. Focus on what matters the most.
• Try to live your own values. Focus on cultivating positivity in the world around you.

 

Essentially, focus on your actions rather than trying to manipulate external factors. Change starts within every one of us.

 

Blog Post Written by: Justin Beahm, Social Worker with Wildflowers