Coping with Election Season
On the Blog
Coping with Election Season: Finding Hope, Managing Stress, and Building Resilience Together
As we approach yet another election season, I find myself deeply reflective about the times we’re living in. The past several elections have been a challenging period for many of us. It seems that, time after time, they bring not only important decisions but also waves of division and hurt that ripple through families, friendships, and communities. So much of what we’ve endured has tested our resilience and, in many ways, our faith in one another.
The other night, as I was reading a book to my kids about the solar system, something shifted for me. There we were, absorbed in this wondrous story of planets and stars, floating in space, held together by gravity—a force bound to the sun. The realization struck me that, in the grand scheme of things, we are all part of this miraculous cosmic dance, held by forces beyond our understanding. I felt an overwhelming clarity about how much of our own light and energy we give away every day: to the endless news cycle, to fear and division, to worldly problems, and even to the little dopamine bursts that keep us checking our screens. And I thought about the things we unintentionally model to our children—stress, worry, or being consumed by forces outside of us.
I’ve fought hard for my own sense of inner peace and joy, for the stability and love that now feel like precious, almost sacred things in my life. And I began to ask myself: How can I protect these things not only for myself but for my children, my family, and this beautiful, resilient community we’re building together? How can I live in a way that keeps me anchored to what truly matters?
When I think about the issues we’re facing in the world—wars, violence, greed, and power struggles—I find myself wanting to hold tighter to these values. In the face of suffering, in the shadow of division, I want to be a force of unity, compassion, and light. And yet, as we all know, this is not easy, especially during election seasons when the pressures, emotions, and opinions around us seem to pull us in every direction.
Tips for Navigating Election Season with Mindfulness and Connection
1. Protect Your Energy
Finding moments to pause and reset can help us stay connected to ourselves and the people who matter most. I’m reminding myself this season to take small breaks from the endless stream of information, to sit in silence, and to reflect on what truly aligns with my values:
For Adults and Teens: Apps like Calm or Insight Timer can offer grounding practices to clear our minds. Setting healthy boundaries with news and social media, especially at night, can also make a big difference.
For Children: Encourage grounding activities like deep breathing, gentle movement, or the “5-4-3-2-1” exercise, helping them stay calm even when the world feels overwhelming.
2. Value-Driven Self-Care
This season, I want to focus on actions that reflect my core values—like compassion, empathy, and community support. Whether it’s volunteering, spending time in nature, or engaging in a creative outlet, finding ways to bring my values to life brings a sense of purpose and peace.
For neurodivergent children and adults, self-care can include activities that provide comfort and predictability. Simple routines or sensory-friendly practices are powerful ways to stay grounded.
3. Connecting with Loved Ones Through Play and Creativity
In my family, we’re embracing hands-on activities that bring us closer together. Creative play, art, or just being outdoors allow us to unplug and appreciate the moment together.
Art and play activities are great ways for kids to explore their feelings. For teens, creative outlets like journaling, painting, or playing music can help them process and express emotions in healthy ways.
4. Finding Empathy and Respect in Conversations
Respectful conversations remind us of our shared humanity. This season, I’m challenging myself to listen openly, to respond with empathy, and to appreciate the diverse perspectives we all bring. Encouraging teens to have compassionate conversations is an incredible skill they can carry into their adult lives.
Protecting Our Light Together
As a community, we are all bound by a shared mission to support one another, to create safe spaces, and to protect our peace. In times of political tension, we hold ourselves to high standards of respect, empathy, and inclusivity. This season, I hope we can all find moments to reconnect to what gives us peace, to care for each other with gentleness, and to remember the light we all bring into this world.
I’m grateful to be part of this community with each of you. Let’s lift each other up, take care of our own inner peace, and extend that same care to the people we serve. Together, we can be a source of strength, resilience, and light—no matter what this season brings.
With love & gratitude,
Founder & Director
