Staying Productive and Focused in Political Turmoil

The world is in turmoil, from political uprisings, fear of nuclear warfare, and a continued fight for human rights. In the United States especially, the current state of affairs is particularly dire. Many of us are hurting, afraid, and angry due to the political climate and other global factors. What’s going on in our society is heavy; so many of us feel powerless. Unsurprisingly, this can make it difficult to focus on work when real-world consequences are imminent.

It is so important that you make the time to take care of yourself physically and mentally, but also to focus your thoughts and actions in a way that contributes to the greater good. Here are some ways to manage your emotions and find ways to be productive in difficult times.

Explore Your Feelings

Events that are emotionally and politically charged create unrest inside of you. That can be a lot to deal with, but it is important that you let yourself feel what you’re feeling and express it. Sometimes it seems easier to repress your emotions, but keeping them in isn’t healthy and exacerbates their intensity. Instead, take time to come to terms with your opinions and feelings on your own. Whether you do this through journaling, art, meditation, or other solitary activities, you are giving yourself the time and space to work through inner conflict, define your values, and decompress. It is important that you do this alone, away from other influences and free of judgment.

Find Your Power

The world’s societies are much greater than any one of us. While that is a profound and awe-inspiring concept, it is scary to think of how easily bad situations can escalate. You need to get yourself out of the headspace that makes you feel powerless. Realistically, no, you cannot stop wars from happening on international fronts or single handedly stop world hunger. That is not your calling. Your place on this Earth is make positive contributions however you can, from smiling at a stranger to volunteering at a soup kitchen, or even running for office. But do not think for one minute that those small efforts do not matter. They make a world of difference, especially when we all act with kindness and positivity. Your power is to do what you can to make the world a better place wherever you are, and that in and of itself is a big responsibility you must own.

Lean In to What You Can Control

As big as the world’s problems are, you do still have a voice. From taking the time to vote on Election Day and researching candidates and ballot questions, to canvassing for local politicians and donating to the campaigns you believe in, your actions go a long way in helping to decide our country’s future. On the divisive issues in policy and law, calling your Congress members, creating petitions, and educating others enable civil conversations and eventually, solutions, to the hot-button concepts. You may feel small in the grand scheme of things, but offering support to the candidates for office and the causes you care about can make all the difference. The act of getting involved takes courage, but will give you a sense of purpose and a place to make an impact.

These tips will not only keep you from dwelling on the bad, but will help you create more good in the world. Your morale will come from doing your part, and the fact that you are contributing will create personal satisfaction and fulfillment, making it easier to cope. Do not forget to take care of you; your dreams, your wellbeing, and your relationships. There is room for it all. Do not deny yourself the joy in every day because of the bad things happening in the world. You can both enjoy your life and work to have a better one at the same time; that is the ultimate coping mechanism.