Hello there my friend,

Tension is running high in the United States and we, the people, are on tenterhooks. As the upcoming election looms, so many of us are feeling waves of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. With so much polarization and the media circus, it can be overwhelming. During these turbulent times, feeling our “feels” is important but so is harnessing reason, logic, and accountability which contributes to executive functioning. I’m a big fan of giving ourselves permission to gripe, cry, and stamp our feet as long as we recognize that, while those activities may be a relief valve, they ultimately don’t solve anything.Self-regulation is the key here. Managing our emotions and expectations helps us to soften the blows of disappointment and celebrate the sweetness of success.

Keeping our cortisol and adrenaline levels (stress hormones) in check makes the most sense to me because when they become elevated, we cannot think properly or function properly. And we need to be in our right minds to manage what’s coming.

Change is coming. It’s going to be big. And it’s no surprise that we are feeling stressed, overloaded, and just want to know what’s next. I am right here with you at this moment in this collective stew of uncertainty.

Be a good citizen and vote. Then, let’s take good care of ourselves and each other. If you’re not ok, then I cannot be ok either. That’s how a healthy society works.

Here are a few tips to cope with the turbulence of our current times:

• Limit News Consumption: Designate specific times for checking the news, rather than tuning in throughout the day. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.
• Engage in Mindful Activities: Practice anything that takes your focus from your mind to the present moment with actions like meditation, exercise, or gardening. This reduces stress and anxiety.
• Connect with Others: Reach out to welcoming friends or family, not the estranged ones, to discuss your feelings. Sometimes, just talking about your concerns can provide relief and perspective. Maintain a sense of humor because laughter is good medicine.
• Focus on What We Can Control: We always have freedom of thought. Go ahead and buy the toilet paper, water, and survival snacks. Go full-bore on emergency preparedness if it makes you feel better. In our home, we’re set until the next election in 2028.
• Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize self-care through activities that bring some joy, whether it’s reading, singing, or indulging in a favorite hobby. Remember to eat healthy, sleep well, and exercise regularly to support a sound body and sane mind.
• Need more food for thought? Listen to the podcast episodes in our new series The Good Citizen’s Election Season Survival Guide to Restoring Common Sense and Sanity in a Crazy World, and bonus content on More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness.

May we meet the moment with grace. May peace prevail despite the vitriol and division. We are so much better than the nonsense.

Fasten your seatbelt and proceed with hope and humanity for better days ahead,

Lisa Cypers Kamen.

VOTER RESOURCES

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Election Protection: If you encounter any issues at the polls or see something that doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE for assistance.

Vote411.org: Election information you need brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Our participation matters, and it’s important to ensure that every vote counts!

Check out the latest consciously prepared brain food on the Harvesting Happiness podcast. There is a lot of new content handcrafted for your listening pleasure!

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Disclaimer: This communication is for information only and does not constitute mental health treatment or indicate a therapeutic relationship. Individuals in need of treatment for mental health or psychological concerns should seek out services from appropriate mental healthcare professionals.