3 Key Strategies for Taking Care of Yourself in Stressful Times

The current political climate has many of us feeling on edge. Between the constant news updates and an ever-present sense of uncertainty, stress levels are certainly high. If you’ve spent the past few months wanting to crawl into bed and hibernate, you’re not alone. 

Let’s acknowledge that it’s okay to feel this way. We all care deeply about the state of our world, so it’s completely understandable if your energy and focus aren’t at their usual levels. 

While we sadly don’t have a magic recipe to fix everything, there are steps you can take to protect your mental and emotional well-being while still showing up for yourself, your business, and your team. 

1. Protect Your Energy

Your energy is one of your most valuable resources. Now is the time to embrace and work with your natural energy levels instead of pushing against them.

• Adjust your workload. If you’re feeling weighed down by everything happening in the world, your energy may be lower overall. Give yourself permission to take a lighter workload, focusing on one or two key priorities instead of spreading yourself too thin. If you need it, take a vacation to give yourself time for a deep recharge. 
• Pay attention to when you work best. Notice when your brain is in its highest-functioning state—this is when you should focus on deep work, brainstorming, and strategy. During lower-energy periods, shift to easier tasks like answering emails, reviewing documents, or administrative work. 
• Limit news and social media. Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to news and social media can be draining. Set designated times to check updates, and use tools like screen time limits on your phone to create boundaries. Many devices have built-in features to help manage this, such as Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing settings.

2. Delegate When You Need Support

Not everyone is experiencing this moment in the same way. While some people may be struggling to keep up, others may have more bandwidth to support their teams and colleagues. Setting the tone where your team can openly discuss how they’re feeling can go a long way in protecting your own and your team’s emotional well-being. 

• Be transparent with your team. If you’re not feeling 100%, it’s okay to share that with your team. Let them know where you’re at emotionally and what kind of support you might need.
• Use the bandwidth check-in method. In team meetings, ask everyone to rate their energy and workload on a scale from 0 to 100. A 0 means they have nothing to give, while a 100 means they have high energy and lots of capacity. If you need to delegate, consider passing tasks to someone who rates themselves at 75 or higher and is open to taking on more.
• Shift tasks that feel overwhelming. If something on your plate is draining you, see if someone else on your team can take it over for now. Whether it’s a project deadline, client communication, or administrative tasks, sharing the workload can make a huge difference.

3. Prioritize Rest

Now more than ever, rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Taking care of yourself ensures that you have the energy to support your family, your team, and your community.

• Build in extra buffer time. Give yourself more time than usual between meetings or tasks. This allows for mental and emotional recovery, preventing burnout before it starts.
• Make sleep a priority. Stress and uncertainty can take a toll on sleep quality. Try to maintain a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed to help improve rest.
• Be mindful of your social calendar. If social events or after-work activities feel draining, it’s okay to say no. Protect your energy by prioritizing the things that truly fill your cup.

Finding Stability in Uncertain Times

Navigating political uncertainty while running a business isn’t easy. But by protecting your energy, delegating when needed, and prioritizing rest, you can create a sustainable path forward. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Lean on your team, set boundaries, and give yourself grace during this challenging time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back, breathe, and focus on what you can control. You’re doing your best—and that’s enough.