"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter".
—Rachel Carson
Elections bring challenges and also opportunities to connect with self and others in new ways. And let’s face it, sometimes politics can cause turmoil and unrest. This year, specifically, many of us are feeling fatigue from the waves of media onslaughts, character assaults, and histrionics and vitriol that, at times, minimizes the seriousness of what many are experiencing. We could all use the mental health space to unwind and find center.
How Politics Impacts Mental Health
Election season requires awareness of self, and others, with the potential for calm presence. This time can be intense and triggering to our health, especially at this moment when party extremism and public engagement is amplified by social media, news outlets, and conversations happening far and wide. Research reveals this election, in particular, is causing stress to many, impacting mental health. While we get closer to voting day, it is even more vital that we attend to well-being and hold skillfulness and intention when it comes to our state of mind. It can be easy to get caught up, to lose track of how we’re feeling, to potentially dissociate, or to tune out. This year, in particular, brings varied feelings as dichotomous discourse permeates the messaging. It is key to hold yourself with grounding. It is also key to leverage the tools that that can nurture a sense of calm and facilitate self-regulation. Elections naturally stir things up so it behooves us to practice calm, amidst potential chaos or stressors.
“Anxiety and stress around the coming election is a very real thing. Ignoring or minimizing these feelings can impact mental and physical health in a variety of ways. During this election season, it is more important than ever that people take a break from their screens and the information tidal wave and spend focused time in nature. Even 15-30 minutes a day of intentional time in the outdoors has been shown to lower stress and anxiety and increase feelings of connectedness.”—Josh Flaherty, LCSW, Executive Director of AR
Nature and adventure offer a respite from emotional storms during an election. Outside, we find a bounty of ways to connect and tune in. We talked to the AR Crew to get some tips on how to support ourselves during this time. May they serve you and yours as you embrace the process, cultivating peace whenever possible.
Mental Health and Elections
Elections can be downright hard, especially for folks who may feel directly impacted by the platforms candidates inhabit. Furthermore, we may have different thoughts than friends, family, or coworkers, which can create strife or friction. We all have our own individual points of view and the goal of creating space for connection, especially during times of struggle, is a noble one. And, in order to do so, we must start within. We all have moments. You are not alone.
“I have found that talking about politics can be hard. What I’ve learned from my time outdoors is that sometimes you have to have the hard conversation. It’s important to hear everyone’s views from a place of openness. That is where we start, with compassion and space for all voices to be heard. We make decisions based on what we think is the best, wisest path. That is the beauty of outdoor pursuits—and our election process. When in doubt, take time for reflection and explore your values. We are all capable of facing uncertainty and moments like this.”—Nathan Bennick, AMGA SPI, National Field Director, AR
Our experiences can be isolating and stressful at times, so it’s important to remember we are not alone. What’s more, when we connect, our physiology reaps the reward as we release beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters that can initiate the “feel-good” healthy hormone result we seek. From day to day, it’s about applying the practices we know work.
How to Support Mental Health During Elections
Get outside. Yeah, no surprise from us, here. But at this time, it is even more critical as it can be easy to get stuck reading articles, watching Reels, and getting stirred up by what’s happening around us. Pushing through any resistance to get away from it all inspires action, consistency, and builds self-esteem. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors but some of our favorites for this time of year are: hiking, boating, bushcraft, skiing, xc skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, building an igloo or quinzhee hut, winter hiking, polar plunge, and surfing. The act of going, no matter what the weather, instills positive reinforcement of your goals and it’s always a perfect time to get up and out. Further, research shows that nature directly influences our lives, benefits physical health, and positively impacts our state of mind.
Light it up. A fire is a powerful way to attune to the surroundings and create a sense of the sacred. It also provides space to slow down, and in this particular moment can be an opportunity to offer what we wish to the flames. Fire connects us to ancestral traditions at the core and calling it in kindles a deeper connection between self and spirit. Fire also motivates us to put down that phone. There is not a large body of research related to the psychological impact of fire, but one study notes interesting results, including “significant reductions in blood pressure associated with fire with a naturalistic auditory component, confirming commonly perceived relaxation effects of hearth and campfires.” Winter fires can be especially poignant. Spark the stoke. “Everyone faces times and situations in life when a problem (often something from the past) rears its head from out of nowhere and throws a thunderbolt of havoc into the seeming serene present day…It can create a level of anxiety that shakes us to our core. What do we do? How do we handle this? Will we get through it? It is in times like these that I turn to the tools (both physical and emotional) of the fire ceremony, in gratitude,” says AR Executive Director, Josh Flaherty, LCSW.
Nourish the spirit. Cooking is a way to tune in and connect with loved ones through the senses. In addition, it brings us into the immediate moment. For some, sitting around the fire and roasting vegetables or a hearty steak on the coals is the way to go. We love to cook this way at camp, sharing meals around the hearth and participating together. Others may prefer more traditional fare, such as baking or simply prepping a hardy soup or stew. Whatever it is that you like to do in the kitchen, do it. The heartwarming process of coming together, using recipes from family members, activates the sense of smell and taste, bringing us into the moment. It also provides a sense of accomplishment at a time that might feel precarious or tentative as election time can feel. Unplug, cook, and enjoy the fruits of our labor uplifts. Research shows that cooking is a helpful intervention to boost mood, elevate resilience, and fortify one’s sense of interconnectedness and personal agency. We can all use a bit of that right now.
Breathe. Breath work can modify how we feel significantly. Our National Field Director, Nate Bennick, features breath work as a key component of training, especially during rock climbing trainings. “In times of stress, breathing may be rapid—our bodies may feel constricted—chest compressed and tight. When we slow down and open the heart center, taking the breath in slowly and deeply to the belly, we can activate the parasympathetic nervous system in order to relax. Rhythmic, slow, heavy sighs during intentional breathing also allow us to find a sense of composure within stressful moments in life. We can apply conscious breathing at any time. This can be as simple as counting to four on the inhale, four on the exhale, and gently bring the mind back to a state of calm. These methods allow us to find our center and ground,” says Nate.
Connect with others. Another obvious one, perhaps, but reaching out to others and spending time together in nature is a perfect way to nurture our sense of belonging and purpose and get away from the polarizing messages we’re all seeing. The evidence-based practice of community building, outside, is tried and true. When we share time with another we remember the greater context of our lives and get outside of our own heads. As cerebral beings, thinking can often dominate, but going for a walk with a friend or skiing with family brings us into direct connection and quiets the ruminating brain. This is good medicine, always.
Try something new. Studies reveal a causal link between new activities and new abilities and capacity. When we engage in new things, we cultivate flexibility, adaptability, and develop new neural patterns while altering existing pathways. The process expands our perspective, as well, which can benefit the way we feel, improving mood. As we get out of the normal routine and into a new context, we achieve some aesthetic distance from ruminating thoughts, ideas, or experiences that may be causing stress and subsequent anxiety. This can be an easy route to escaping any concerns or fears around the election. Even something as simple as a new trail could do the trick.
Whatever you’re going through, remember you matter and you make a difference. Sometimes elections can make us feel despondent or hopeless but the truth is, the change begins within. Each of us has the power.
If you or someone you love is having a challenging time, please remember you are not alone. There is always help available. The AR team has open arms and is always willing to share resources. Please feel free to call us if you are in need.