Handling the Stress of the Inauguration

Every 4 years, January 20 becomes an important day for the country as we have the inauguration of a new president and the start of a new political cycle. Obviously, we are coming off of a very “spirited” political campaign where emotions were and still are still very high. It is a momentous occasion that marks a significant transition in leadership and can evoke a wide range of emotions. Whether you're excited, anxious, indifferent, or even frustrated, a political shift like this can create stress—especially when the event seems to stir up strong feelings and divide opinions. It's normal to feel unsettled as the nation turns a new page, but it's important to find ways to handle that stress, maintain perspective, and take care of your mental and emotional well-being.

Since today is the 20th and also Martin Luther King day, so a holiday for many of you, here are some practical tips for managing the stress of the inauguration, regardless of your political stance:

Limit Exposure to News and Social Media

The weeks leading up to and following the inauguration can be a frenzy of media coverage, social media posts, and political discussions. If you find that this constant stream of information is heightening your anxiety, it is best to stay away from it and find other ways to stay informed. It may come down to taking some time to check the news and media but then walk away and move on to where your feet are. If you feel the need to respond to something you read, it is always best to give it some time, think it through, and respond after you have been able to gain more perspective. A deep breath or two doesn’t hurt either!

Control What You Can Control

If you have read this newsletter before, you know I have mentioned this a time or two… 😃 In times of stress and especially in times of political uncertainty or change, it can feel like there is little you can control. However, focusing on the aspects of your life that you can influence will help create a sense of agency and calm. You might not be able to control the outcome of the inauguration, but you can control how you respond to it. This might mean engaging in activities that you enjoy like exercising, focusing on a hobby, spending time with friends or loved ones, etc. that can reduce thstress you are feeling.

Practice Empathy and Stay Open-Minded

Inauguration Day is often a time of heightened division, and it’s easy to become caught up in partisanship. However, maintaining an empathetic mindset—understanding that others may have different experiences, beliefs, or feelings—can help reduce feelings of anger or frustration. This country was built on a principle of being able to have different beliefs and being able to express those opinions. While it may be frustrating to hear different views to ours, can we learn something from what others are saying or at least understand where they are coming from?

Remember the Big Picture

While inaugurations are significant, they are also just one moment in the larger contexts of our lives and the nation's history. No matter the outcome of the event, there will always be opportunities for growth, change, and progress. Politics are important, but they do not and should not define our entire existence or our future happiness.

Inauguration Day can be a challenging time for many people, regardless of which side of the political spectrum you are on. The stress and emotions that come with such a significant event are real, but they are also manageable. By focusing on self-care, practicing empathy, and keeping perspective, you can make it through the day and weeks ahead with a sense of calm and resilience. The inauguration is just one chapter in an ongoing story. No matter how you feel about the event, you have the power to take care of your mental and emotional health, and to move forward in a way that connects with your values and well-being.

On this MLK day, I leave you with a quote from him that is a great perspective for all of us:

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

I hope you will keep the right perspective as we start this new phase in our country’s history. Have a great week!

Coach K