Election week…calm?!
I’m in a program on Positive Intelligence (or PQ), which I joined to support my clients, but I’ve found it invaluable during this election cycle. The theory of PQ is, like building physical muscles, we can build our mental strength to gracefully and thoughtfully handle stress and challenges that arise in our life. I definitely recommend checking it out if you want to learn more!
The election was a perfect time to practice all that I had learned. Because the actual election is on a specific date, I prepared in advance to ensure I’d stay calm. My plan included creating boundaries, preparing mentally for either outcome, and repeating a mantra.
Here are the steps I took:
Recognize emotions. Like many (all?) of us, I was feeling mounting anxiety about the election. It seemed every conversation included discussions about election concerns and fears, so it was clear how I’d likely feel during election week. Stressed? Check. Anxious? Check. Worried? Check. Okay, got it.
Ask, is this within my control, or not? I voted, volunteered, and donated money. I took steps to support the outcome I wanted. But I also needed to remind myself of what’s outside my control (i.e. how others vote, and individual and media responses to the election). Being clear on what’s within my control (exercising my civic duty, creating boundaries, connecting with people, getting exercise, meditating) helped me stay empowered.
Create boundaries. I decided NOT to watch live coverage. While I value being informed, almost every news outlet had set expectations that a definitive outcome was impossible on election day. Therefore, paying attention to live coverage, in any social app or media outlet, would simply be an anxiety roller coaster that I could choose not to ride. So, no media.
Remember (and repeat) a mantra to stay calm. I used a version of Buddha’s words, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other to die”. Except I told myself: “feeling anxious about the election is only harming me, and it will make zero difference to the outcome.” I can choose how I respond. I chose calm.
Flash forward. This is straight out of the PQ program, it’s a way to access creative thinking, which generally gets shut down under stress. The practice helps empower practitioners for action.I put myself into the future and think of possible “gifts”, in the form of opportunities or lessons, I might receive if things don’t go the way I hoped. So I asked myself, “what is the GIFT that I could receive from the election, no matter the outcome?”, and I challenged myself to come up with at least 3 “gifts”. Here’s what I decided:
I will increase my activities and engagement in democracy.
I will educate myself and my family further on civics and US history, from many sources and many perspectives.
This experience, will reinforce an appreciation for my community, my work, and my family.
Is there an event/presentation/conversation coming up that’s causing you stress?
While I used process for the election cycle, it would also be effective for potentially anything where you can plan ahead. Consider giving it a try, and let me know if it helps you!
On my reading list!
