Wouldn’t it be nice if we all saw things the same way and agreed on most, if not all, things? But there will be differing voices, opinions, tensions, and elected leaders we don’t like. It can be hard to find balance and calm. Political debates, social issues, and even casual conversations can trigger stress and leave you wondering if you’ll survive it all. You will, so hang in there!
Your mental health doesn’t have to take the hit—there are actionable steps you can take to stay grounded, focused, and in control. Create a healthy balance between staying informed and protecting your peace. Sometimes, you just need to make intentional choices to step away from the noise.
Here are some smart ways to maintain your mental health even when the world around you seems to be falling apart.
1. Stop Consuming Everything on the News
There’s no need to flood your brain with endless updates from every possible source. If you must catch up on the news, designate specific times to catch up on the news and stick to those limits. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by constant streams of information.
Focus on reliable sources and avoid sensational headlines. By curating your news intake, you can keep your emotions in check while staying informed.
2. Stay True to Your Values
Sometimes, the world feels so upside-down that it’s hard to remember what you even believed in. That’s exactly why staying anchored in your own values is like having a personal compass in a storm. What do you stand for? What principles keep you grounded?
By keeping those beliefs front and center, you’ll navigate through the chaos with confidence, no matter how loud the opinions around you get. It’s the kind of inner stability that lets you sidestep the constant whirlpool of every new perspective trying to pull you in.
3. Take Breaks from Social Media
Social media is a breeding ground for stress, particularly when political discourse is at the forefront. The constant barrage of opinions, posts, and news updates from “experts” can quickly overwhelm your senses.
Create designated social media detox days where you completely unplug. Use that time to focus on real-world connections or simply enjoy a quiet moment. This will allow your brain to reset and avoid absorbing too much negativity.
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
One of the best ways to maintain mental clarity is to be selective about the people you spend time with. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift you, respect your boundaries, and engage in meaningful, respectful conversations.
You don’t need to agree on everything to have a positive and supportive relationship. Having people who understand and encourage your mental health journey makes a huge difference in staying grounded during turbulent times.
5. Don’t Take Everything Personally
Society feels increasingly polarized, and it’s easy to take comments, social media posts, or debates too personally. Remember that the actions and opinions of others reflect their own experiences, not a judgment of you.
Keeping this in mind helps you let go of unnecessary stress and reduces the emotional impact of divisive moments. Don’t internalize every opinion. You give yourself the freedom to focus on your own peace of mind.
6. Go Outside
Get out of the house and away from gadgets. It can be as simple as going for a walk, taking a weekend trip away, or spending an afternoon away from technology. Reconnect with yourself, nature and the things that truly matter.
The outdoors is excellent for your mental health. It offers peace, quiet, and open spaces for introspection and relaxation. The physical activity of walking or hiking releases endorphins that improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
7. Show Kindness to Yourself and Others
Being kind to yourself during times of turmoil is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Make time for yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. This could be reading a book, taking a bath, practicing yoga or meditation, or indulging in a hobby.
Taking care of your own well-being allows you to show up as your best self in other areas of life, including navigating a divided nation.
8. Focus on What You Can Control
There’s plenty happening that’s beyond your control and focusing on those aspects can easily lead to stress. Direct your energy to the things you can change—like how you respond to situations.
These are small actions you can take to improve your immediate environment. Focusing on what you can influence reduces feelings of helplessness and increases your sense of agency.
9. Engage in Healthy Distractions
Sometimes stress will pile up because there’s too much going on in your life. When this happens, it’s time to hit pause and distract yourself with something that actually brings you joy (stress really isn’t anyone’s idea of fun).
Dive into a hobby, get in some exercise, cook something delicious, or binge-watch your favorite show—these activities give your mind a much-needed break from spiraling from stress.
10. Let Go of the Need to Be Right
Do you want to be happy, or do you want to be right? Being right can feel like winning a gold medal, but constantly defending your position in a divided world will leaving feeling empty. You don’t have to be the champion of every conversation or prove you’re the smartest person in the room.
Embrace the art of listening without needing to have the final word. Ditch the pressure to be right all the time, and you’ll free yourself from the exhausting mental games and improve your relationships.
11. Master the Art of Mindfulness
You have probably read about mindfulness a thousand times this year, but have you actually practiced it? Mindfulness acts as a mental breather when everything else feels like it’s spinning out of control.
Breathing exercises, meditation, or simply staying present in the moment can help you tune out the noise and center your thoughts. Practicing mindfulness regularly creates space to respond to divisive situations with more clarity and less emotional reaction.
12. Limit Political Debates
Political discussions can quickly become a pressure cooker of stress. It’s completely fine to set limits on how much you engage in these debates with the people around you. If you feel your blood pressure rising, take it as a sign that a break might be in order.
Step away, stay silent, and give yourself permission to disengage. Politics will still be there when you’re ready, but your sanity might not be as patient.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
