For some, the recent election has stirred up uncomfortable feelings and reactions. Words like worry, devastation, grief, and hopelessness show up in posts and conversations, reflecting the emotional weight many are carrying. Others have very different emotions and may not understand the strong reaction.
Regardless, whether the discomfort stems from current events or personal struggles, navigating strong emotions while maintaining focus at work or on important tasks at home can be challenging. So how can discomfort be transformed into action?
Feel Your Feelings
Intense emotions can feel overwhelming, creating the fear that if you acknowledge them, you’ll get stuck. Few people want to wallow in devastation.
In a society where some people are labeled “too emotional” while others are conditioned to suppress their feelings, it’s vital to create space to experience emotions fully. Psychology Today states, “The more we say yes to our challenging feelings, and allow and acknowledge them, the more we can move through them and, thus, the less stuck we are in life.” They continue to point out that treating feelings negatively causes “those feelings we want to get rid of [to] actually grow stronger.”
Take time to process, remembering to breathe deeply as you do. Write down all of the feelings you’re experiencing, talk to people who can empathize and validate you and/or try meditating to work through feelings. Acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward finding clarity.
Prepare
When facing change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of things that may need attention. Start small. Write a list of immediately achievable tasks:
- Need to send a work newsletter? Jot down the topics.
- Thinking of joining a group? Research which align with your goals.
- Need to prioritize health? Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Productive action doesn’t look the same for everyone. Small, deliberate steps can build momentum and lead to larger accomplishments. Write lists, prioritize and celebrate your small wins.
Build Community
Overwhelming emotions often lead to self-isolation. The world can be a hard place, and we can feel alone, neglected, disliked. It’s common to think, “I can rely only on myself,” but this mindset can amplify feelings of loneliness.
Forbes notes, “Community is critical to our overall wellbeing.… Our health and happiness are inextricably linked with our connections.” Finding “your people” may take effort, but it’s worth it. This could mean meeting a friend for coffee, joining an activist group, exploring new Meetup events or attending an arts and crafts class. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling awkward about putting yourself out there. Others are seeking connection too!
Stay Present
Feelings are not linear. Some days, productivity will flow effortlessly; on others, emotions may take over. This is normal. This isn’t a step-by-step guide; it’s okay to do the steps out of order—or to repeat them. Processing emotions, building connections and taking small steps are ongoing actions you can take.
Allow discomfort to be a guide, not a barrier. It can lead to action, growth and community. And even when it feels hard, remember to celebrate each step forward.
Resources
Identifying Underlying Emotions
