The 2024 election was stressful, with emotions running high and political events dominating the news cycle. Even though it’s been over a month since the election, many still find it challenging to tune out the constant stream of political discourse and the future’s uncertainty. However, it’s possible to find relief by focusing on practices that help us disconnect from the noise and reconnect with our well-being. Whether through experiencing moments of awe, taking time for meditation or engaging in creative activities like writing, these simple yet effective techniques offer ways to reduce stress no matter the situation.
Finding “awe moments”
It’s essential to find “awe” moments. Awe is an emotion that happens when we witness something amazing, vast or mind-blowing. Take the eclipse this past year, for example, or the northern lights we were able to witness in Bloomington over the summer. Or noticing something as simple as the shining stars in the night sky or a field of pretty flowers in bloom. These moments can help to take your mind off current events.
Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley, said in a New York Times article, “Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.” People find awe differently, and what may be awe-inspiring to one person may not be for someone else. Awe doesn’t even have to mean seeing physical beauty: it can be something as simple as seeing someone do a kind act for another person.
Rather than getting bogged down by the negative emotions that often arise in such divisive times like an election, people can tap into these awe experiences to recharge. Experiencing awe can help people recognize that while politics is significant, it is not the only force shaping the world around them.
Meditation
Another stress-reducing technique that works well for some is meditation. Since early November, I’ve been meditating every night for at least 10 minutes. We receive so much input of information throughout the day, but finding a good outlet for output can be challenging. Meditation is what I’ve found works best for me to tune out the day’s difficulties. The Mayo Clinic says, “When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.”
The science behind meditation is relatively simple. Research shows mindfulness and meditation practices reduce activity in the amygdala and increase connections between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These two parts of the brain work together to help relieve stress.
You can even experience awe while meditating. For example, I listened to a meditation recently that suggested I visualize gorgeous scenery. In those 10 minutes, I felt a sense of tranquility and peace. The thing to remember while meditating is that it’s not as easy as it sounds, it takes practice to work. Finding the videos and people you like listening to is essential as well. You can find free meditation videos and resources on YouTube like this one shared by Calm.
Meditation and mindfulness practices offer a way to deal with stress, especially during high-pressure times. In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, many experienced heightened stress due to political uncertainty, campaign ads, and constant news cycles. Meditation provides a valuable tool in helping individuals tune out the chaos, decompress and refocus their minds after a stress inducing event such as an election. Change takes time but meditation can help replenish your energy and strengthen your willpower for when that time comes.
Creative projects
Another practice I’ve started again recently is creative writing. I write all the time for school and work but before that became my routine, I’d spend a couple of hours a week writing what I wanted for fun. I’ve tried to work that back into my life. Being more conscious of your ideas, emotions and life experiences and writing them down can help you process negative anxiety.
In an election year, when political opinions can become divisive and overwhelming, creative writing offers a space to explore our frustrations and also look at every possible perspective. Writing is a great creative outlet when you need a break, but it’s also a line of defense when you’re ready to engage in political discourse again.
While establishing new habits may take time and effort, the rewards are worth it. By intentionally carving out space for these practices, we can cultivate a sense of tranquility that helps us navigate challenging times. And we can use the positive effects to help stay engaged on the issues that matter most to us and our future.
Jack Davis (he/him) is a sophomore studying journalism.
