Coping with Political Stress: Staying Grounded, Engaged and Effective

In today's dynamic political landscape, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected. In a 2022 study done by the American Psychological Association, more than three-quarters of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives. The constant barrage of news, debates, and social media discussions can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. However, it's essential to find healthy ways to navigate this stress while staying informed and engaged in our communities.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Elissa Epel and Professor Rhonda Magee as hosts for this workshop. They will guide us through a space designed to provide participants with practical strategies and tools to manage political stress effectively, maintain mental and emotional balance, and stay actively involved in the issues that matter most.

Together we'll experience simple, accessible awareness practices, and explore how they can enhance our capacity to:

• cultivate and maintain a regular mindfulness practice;
• center and de-stress in the face of conflicting views;
• communicate for connection across lines of real and perceived difference;
• maximize our personal and collective resilience over the sustained stress of this political season, and beyond.