Cool, Calm, Collected: Presidential Elections & the Anxiety it Brings

Okay, it is official, we have been thrown into the holiday hustle and bustle! With that comes traditions, family gatherings, and sometimes even a bit of tension—especially if it follows a presidential election and especially if it's this year's election, ammiright? The impact of this is specific election can be felt beyond the booths, celebrities are leaving the country and while some celebrate, others have been left with a feeling of hopelessness. Enter personal relationships and social situations! The cocktail that most of us avoid to keep the peace.

Keeping the peace and your anxiety at bay, here are some practical ways to manage anxiety in social settings during the holiday chit-chats.

1. Prepare Your Mindset for Mixed Company

It's natural for friends and family to feel strongly about political matters and for emotions to bubble up. As you enter gatherings, remind yourself that differing perspectives do not have to lead to conflict. This mindset shift can ease anxiety by lowering expectations and focusing instead on enjoying the holiday experience.

Practice Grounding Techniques: Deep breathing, visualizing a peaceful setting, or repeating calming affirmations can bring you into a balanced, receptive state. A place you can be levelheaded enough in to approach any conversation with a joyful heart and a calm spirit.

Set an Intention: Take a moment to define what you want from each event. Whether it’s quality time with loved ones or savoring a good meal, setting a simple goal helps keep you focused on what’s truly important.

2. Skillfully Steering Conversations

Sometimes, no matter how well we set our intentions, sensitive topics arise. Feeling caught off guard isn't something people normally look forward to, but in the case that it arises, you want to be well equipped to handle all that comes with it.

Curiosity- Your Panic Button: If the conversation is taking a turn into a sensitive territory, ask questions that invite others to talk about shared experiences or light-hearted topics. For instance, saying, “What are your travel plans for next year?!" or something like, "Did you get everything done that you wanted to accomplish this year?" can really switch it up in a good light.

Respectfully Set Boundaries: If a subject becomes overwhelming, it’s okay to politely excuse yourself or steer the topic in another direction. A response like, “I’d love to catch up on other topics,” or “I’m looking forward to hearing more about your year,” signals a pivot without offending.

3. All Fun & Games: Charades, trivia, or board games allow everyone to have the shared experience with some lighthearted fun. Games encourage teamwork and laughter, helping everyone to bond over fun rather than discussion.

Encourage Interactive Meal Preparation: If your gathering involves a meal, volunteer to help with food preparation. Cooking together offers a great way to stay engaged in something collaborative and non-political, and it can also be a meditative way to enjoy the season.

4. Boundaries vs Traditions

The holidays often come with strong traditions, which can sometimes feel at odds with current events or new personal boundaries. If certain family practices or opinions contribute to your anxiety, consider ways to honor yourself and still show respect for others.

Kindess Kills Ugly: If you feel the need to opt out of a tradition or limit the time you spend in certain settings, communicate it early and kindly. A gentle phrase like, “This year, I’m taking a quieter approach to the holidays for my own well-being, but I’ll still join for…” can make others feel included without sacrificing your comfort.

Honor Old Traditions in New Ways: Suggest holiday activities that bring everyone together without bringing up sensitive memories or opinions. For example, if past holidays involved large discussions around the table, suggest an outdoor family activity like a winter hike or a stroll through a holiday market, shifting focus to experiences rather than conversation.

5. Self-Care is no.1 Before & After:

Sometimes, simply showing up to a holiday event can feel daunting. To stay balanced, prioritize self-care both before and after gatherings. This buffer can keep you grounded, energized, and in control of your experience.

Pre-Gathering Rituals are a Thing: This could include a brisk walk, meditation, a favorite playlist, or even a few minutes of journaling. A pre-event ritual calms the mind and sets the stage for more mindful, relaxed interactions.

Wind Down & Process: After an event, take time to decompress. This could be as simple as relaxing with a favorite book, taking a warm bath, or calling a friend who understands your perspective. Processing your experience in a healthy way can prevent feelings of burnout or resentment.

6.Peace Over Perfection

The holidays can also bring up expectations—whether it’s a picture-perfect gathering or making everyone feel at ease. Accepting imperfection can relieve pressure and lessen anxiety.

Embrace the “Imperfect” Season: Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. In fact, some of the most memorable moments come from imperfection. If there are awkward silences or unexpected conversations, remember it’s all part of the season and often adds humor to the stories you’ll share later.

The Joy in Little Things: Redirect your focus to the small moments of joy—a warm cup of cocoa, a favorite holiday movie, or a walk in crisp air. Staying present helps in managing anxieties by grounding you in simple pleasures rather than in broader concerns.

7. Compassionate for the Tension

If tense or challenging moments arise despite your best efforts, responding with compassion for both yourself and others can transform the situation. Here are a few tips:

Empathy Without Agreement: Offering a simple, “I hear what you’re saying,” or “I can see why you feel that way,” can defuse tension by showing understanding without necessarily agreeing. Validating someone’s feelings can make them feel heard, reducing the chance of an argument.

The Art of the Pause: Did you find yourself emotionally triggered? A deep breath does wonders and so does a small pause. Both can lead to a clear mind and direction forward.

Conclusion: It's the Holidays, Let's Be Mindful

The holiday season after an election year doesn’t have to be defined by anxiety or tense discussions. By grounding yourself, setting compassionate boundaries, and focusing on the deeper meaning of the season, you can embrace these special times with clarity and confidence.

With a bit of preparation and a kind-hearted approach, you’ll find that it’s possible to bring warmth, understanding, and even joy to the season. Remember, the holidays are about connection, gratitude, and the spirit of giving, even when it means simply giving others the space to be themselves. By nurturing these values, you can help foster a holiday atmosphere that everyone—regardless of background or belief—can feel welcomed into.