Ah, election season. It’s that particular time every few years when we find ourselves alternating between hope, anxiety, and constant social media scrolling. And now that the votes have been counted, we can all (finally) exhale. The election may be over, but the aftermath of stress, opinions, and intense emotions still lingers. Whether you’re thrilled or disappointed with the results, we can all agree that a collective sigh of relief is in order.
So, let’s embrace some much-needed calm, find gratitude in the little things, and reconnect with our inner peace. This post-election period is a perfect opportunity to refocus on what matters, practice gratitude, and remember that our mental health deserves as much attention as the latest headline. Here are some ways to find humor, balance, and thankfulness in the days ahead.
The Power of Letting Go (of Our Tension)
First, let’s talk about the stress we’ve been carrying. The past few months have been tense. We may not even realize how much tension we’ve been holding onto—whether it’s our tightly clenched jaws or that we’ve been furrowing our brows so much we could probably store coins in those lines.
Tip #1: Do a “Tension Check-In”
Take a moment to check in with your body. Are your shoulders practically up to your ears? Is your jaw clenched as though it’s training for a boxing match? Let it go! Try rolling your shoulders, taking a deep breath, or setting a reminder on your phone that says, “Unclench, breathe, and repeat.”
Finding the Humor in “Post-Election Life”
Humor is one of the most underrated stress relievers, and sometimes, all it takes is a little laugh to release the pressure valve. The election may be over, but that doesn’t mean the debates and strong opinions magically disappear. However, instead of diving into arguments or rehashing outcomes, let’s look for the humor in everyday moments.
Tip #2: Practice the “Smile at the Madness” Technique
When your phone lights up with one more political meme or a new hot take, take a moment to smile (or even laugh) before reacting. Maybe even make a game of it: count how many times you can not get sucked into a debate by simply smiling and moving on. Remember, smiling reduces stress hormones and can be a gentle reminder not to take things too seriously.
Gratitude for the Little Things
Let’s be honest: the big stuff can feel heavy. When significant events happen, it can be overwhelming to think of anything positive. But the magic of gratitude is that it doesn’t have to be about life-changing things. Sometimes, it’s about appreciating the cup of coffee that didn’t spill or that your Wi-Fi worked all day without a hitch.
Tip #3: Start a “Tiny Triumphs” Gratitude List
Every day, jot down at least one small thing that went right. Maybe you found a great parking spot or discovered that your favorite snack is on sale. These “tiny triumphs” help us notice that there are small, steady sources of joy even amidst the more significant, more complex issues. Gratitude for the small things can shift our focus and remind us that life isn’t just one big stress-fest.
Practicing Empathy (Without Overloading)
Strong feelings linger after the election, making it easy to engage in heated conversations. However, one of the best ways to protect our emotional wellness is to approach these moments with empathy while setting clear boundaries to avoid overload.
Tip #4: The “Empathetic Listening, Polite Exit” Strategy
Try listening with empathy when you encounter a discussion with differing views. Acknowledge the other person’s perspective, but remember, you can maintain your peace, too. Politely exit if the discussion gets too intense. Say something like, “I appreciate your thoughts, but I’m giving myself a little political break right now. Can you pass the mashed potatoes?”
Rediscovering the Beauty of Boring
Life can feel like a nonstop rollercoaster in the whirlwind of election season. But now that the dust is settling, we can rediscover the beauty of “boring” moments when we don’t have to think about polls, debates, or campaign slogans. In fact, embracing life’s “boring” parts can be wonderfully calming.
Tip #5: Celebrate Simple, Everyday Joys
Take a moment to savor the taste of your morning tea, enjoy the quiet of a walk, or dive into that book you’ve meant to read. These simple pleasures remind us that life is filled with peaceful moments waiting to be appreciated. The beauty of “boring” is that it grounds us, reminding us there’s peace in simplicity.
Choosing to See the Bigger Picture
Finally, remember that elections are significant, but they don’t define us as individuals. What does? The kindness we show others, the resilience we build, and the everyday moments of gratitude and connection we cultivate. Our actions and attitudes can shape our lives no matter what’s happening nationally.
Tip #6: Look for Opportunities to Spread Kindness
Small acts of kindness can uplift us and those around us, whether it’s a smile, a compliment, or a helping hand. And in a post-election world, we could all use a little extra kindness. Spread it generously, and watch how it returns to you in ways you never expected.
Reflection: Moving Forward with a Thankful Heart
The election may be over, but our lives continue. Let’s take this opportunity to prioritize our emotional wellness, nurture gratitude for the small joys, and rediscover the peace of everyday life. By embracing thankfulness and grounding ourselves in the present, we can maintain a sense of calm and resilience that outlasts any news cycle.
So, take a deep breath, unclench your shoulders, and look forward to the small joys that make life beautiful, one moment at a time.
Optimum Living: Where Every Moment Counts
Stay Inspired, Stay Connected
Thank you for joining us on this journey toward optimum living. Your stories and insights make our community more vibrant. Remember, every small step you take toward emotional wellness, living with purpose, and finding meaning in your everyday life matters.
Optimum Living: Embrace Wellness, Live with Purpose.
Sybil F. Bull ~ Optimum Cultivator
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