View this post on Instagram

 

Easy Ways to Re-Center, Connect with Others, and Find Calm After The Storm

How many of you felt uneasy and unsettled the day after the election?

It was a night spent watching results, scrolling through news feeds, and waiting for updates. It was well past midnight when I finally got to bed and woke up the next day feeling exhausted—physically tired, emotionally drained, and mentally scattered.

I could not focus on work; somehow, my usual drive to tackle projects was nowhere to be found, and even the thought of working out felt overwhelming; I felt as if my body was tilted. I had my usual pick-me-up—a cup of coffee, but not even that did the job.

After an election, it can leave many of us feeling out of sorts. Whether you woke up feeling drained, uncertain, or just plain off-balance, the emotional intensity of the election season often leaves us needing a way to recenter. Here are some ways to find calm and reconnect with peace, no matter the outcome.

Embracing Our Feelings

First, it’s okay to acknowledge how you feel. Your emotions are valid whether you’re processing  joy, worry, or frustration. Instead of ignoring it, I let myself sit with those feelings. There’s a quiet power in pausing and allowing our emotions to be what they are without rushing to fix the problem or judge them.

A helpful first step can be journaling, taking a few minutes to write out what’s on your mind. Writing can create a sense of release, especially when our minds feel crowded with thoughts and worries. Similarly, talking with someone you trust about your feelings can lighten the mental load. Knowing that others, regardless of political beliefs, also process emotions can remind us that we’re not alone.

Finding Common Ground and Fostering Respect

Politics tends to divide people into “sides,” and the nature of elections leaves us with winners and losers. But after the election is also a chance to zoom out and remember that we’re all part of one community. As people, we have more in common than it might appear when we’re just looking at party labels or platforms. Beyond who won or lost, our communities still share common hopes: safety, prosperity, education, and well-being.

One of the most helpful ways to ease tensions is to focus on understanding rather than convincing. I’ve found that even brief, respectful conversations with people who may see things differently can be surprisingly reassuring. By asking questions, listening fully, and staying open to what others share, we often find other people doing their best with their views and hopes.

Reconnecting Through Community and Shared

After an election, it’s easy to feel isolated or consumed by what we see on social media. But reconnecting with people in our communities—not just online but in real life—can be one of the most grounding things we do. Whether joining local events, volunteering, or simply checking in with friends and family, these connections remind us of our shared goals and common ground. When unsettled, I check in with friends and family and am open about my emotions. And I’ve noticed they tend to do the same once I open up to those close to me.

Taking Time for Self-Care and Recentering

After the elections are over, I like to take a moment to step back, recenter, and take a break from all the noise. Focusing on personal goals, spending time with loved ones, and doing things that make us feel good are small but important ways to take care of ourselves. Disconnecting from news feeds, social media, and constant updates, even just for a bit, can feel refreshing and help us reset.

Finding Peace in What We Can Control

Finding peace within ourselves the day after an election doesn’t mean agreeing with everything or ignoring our beliefs. As we look ahead, let’s remember that what helps us feel grounded often comes from supporting each other, seeking understanding, and working toward the good of all, even when times feel uncertain.

By staying true to our beliefs and focusing on what we can control, we can find peace within ourselves and bring it to our communities.

~