Do you feel overwhelmed by a steady stream of unsettling economic and political news? You’re not alone. A recent Harris Poll showed that almost 8 in 10 Americans said they suffered from some level of anxiety, most of which stemmed from economic concerns. These days, it seems like political polarization in the U.S. is at a boiling point. This pressure, combined with concerns about the future of our country, can take a toll on health and wellness. Stress eating, procrastination, fitful sleep, and doomscrolling are all common, but unhealthy, coping mechanisms.
Activists, like many NEA-Retired members, often feel a responsibility to be a voice for others, and may experience this anxiety with greater intensity, says Dr. Jud Brewer, a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, author, and director of research and innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center. In times like these, he says, mindfulness is more important than ever.
Mindfulness is about more than chanting mantras, like “om,” or meditating—though these are excellent practices for staying calm and centered. Being mindful, Brewer explains, can take many forms and combines keen, nonjudgmental awareness with robust curiosity, to help you live a calmer and happier life.
Reframe stress
Former educator Lisa Brackin takes the concerns of fellow retirees to heart—and the stress is getting to her. “Retirees and those about to retire are worried about their personal finances and potential cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” says Brackin, who taught English as a Second Language and served as president of Washington’s Kent Education Association-Retired.
Brackin lives in Auburn, Wash., about a three-hour drive from Canada, which comes with its own set of worries. “We have anxiety about the financial health of our communities, which is a real issue for those of us close to the Canadian border, where tourism and trade are so important,” she says.
Echoing these concerns, Tracy Hobbs, a retired elementary school psychologist from Michigan's Lake Orion School District, feels apprehension about cuts to education funding. He worries about students’ mental health, especially now that President Donald Trump decided not to renew $1 billion in grants for school mental health programs—funds that were allocated under former President Joe Biden. Hobbs’ concerns drive him to continue advocating for all students, especially for the vulnerable LGBTQ+ community.
But gathering the strength to defend public education and maintain personal wellness is a difficult endeavor during uncertain times.
“Taking policies and actions personally is a sure sign of being invested and engaged in the process and the outcomes,” Brewer explains. “It’s understandable that a fully engaged person would feel more threatened and would be more likely to feel stressed and anxious.”
The good news? “There are mindfulness strategies that can help people deal with information overload and allow them to engage with issues from a place of clarity,” he says.
Bathe yourself in nature
Brackin’s passion for gardening is an example of how a simple hobby can promote mindfulness. Growing flowers or vegetables not only allows the opportunity to engage with nature, Brewer notes, but also invokes all our senses, a critical component of being rooted in the present.
“Examining the vibrant colors of the blooming flowers, the distinctive smell of rich soil, and the buzz of a nearby bee can draw attention to the here and now. It takes the mind off uncertainty and can have a calming effect on the mind and the body,” Brewer explains.
Hobbs’ refuge is 15 acres of woods that surround the home he shares with his husband, Eddie. It’s an idyllic spot for him to engage in the Japanese exercise of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The practice encourages immersion in nature (no cellphones), while also tapping into all five senses. It offers an opportunity to emotionally recharge as well as a reprieve from technology and political burnout. The good news is that a sprawling forest in your backyard is not required; any natural environment will allow you to reap the benefits of “ecotherapy.”
However, if digging in the dirt or hiking isn’t for you, not to worry. Mindfulness activities can take place in many settings.
Say yes to new activities
At the heart of mindfulness is curiosity. Brewer calls it our “superpower” for everything from breaking bad habits to overcoming anxiety. For Hobbs, his identity during his career was wrapped up in his work and serving as an NEA advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. When retirement afforded him more free time, he decided to step outside of his comfort zone and sign up for art classes at a local community college. Hobbs admits he may not be the next Picasso, but the experience turned his attention to something new. “It forced me not to ruminate about the news of the day or other things that can be stressful,” he notes.
Lead with kindness
Being kind to yourself and to others lifts your mood and gives hope to those who give it and those who receive it, Brewer suggests. That can be especially important and useful during times of political discord.
Brackin, for example, takes a page from her book club when it comes to maintaining healthy dialogue, even when opinions are at odds. “In book club, we listen to each other and respect opinions. We learn from each other,” she shares. “That’s what I try to do when I encounter those who have different views when it comes to politics. There’s no point in screaming and yelling. It’s not good for me, and it’s not going to change anyone’s position.”
Hobbs agrees: “I try to stay calm and sincerely understand someone’s position, even when I have a really hard time wrapping my head around their stance. I feel that the way to bridge the divide that exists in this country is by listening to the other side.”
Make sleep a priority
A healthy mind and body require adequate sleep. But when a solid eight hours proves elusive, this lack of shut-eye can take a toll on virtually every aspect of life. To get much needed slumber, consider following some proven tips from Brewer: Engage in gentle exercise during the day to clean out stress hormones, and spend time in natural sunlight to help your circadian rhythm get back on track.
Also establish a bedtime routine that prepares your body for restful sleep. This routine might include a hot cup of herbal tea, relaxing music, and light stretching or reading (if the book isn’t too suspenseful).
Shutting off all devices—phone, television, and computer—can go a long way in creating a sleep-inducing environment. Also avoid caffeinated drinks near bedtime, Brewer coaches. Be aware that in addition to coffee, certain teas, chocolate, energy drinks, and even some pain relievers contain stimulants.
In these politically charged times, cultivating inner peace isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation for navigating challenges and sustaining meaningful engagement.
