Lowering Stress in Turbulent Times

The exit polls from last year’s presidential election in the United States showed a large majority of people voting for change. And not just change, substantial, radical change. People were beyond tired of the status quo and wanted something different, and they wanted it immediately.

I am not sure that in the emotionally charged environment of the last election, they thought through that “immediate” part. Immediate change almost invites chaos. And chaos, across much of the government, is exactly what we have. The amount of change from day to day is staggering.

While I certainly agree with many of the changes, I’m thinking they didn’t all need to happen overnight. I also understand the theory behind the “ripping off the bandaid” philosophy. I suppose either way the substantial changes were going to bring chaos. So it was a “deal with it all now” and get it over with or have a drip, drip, drip of chaos over a long period of time. It’s a kind of “pick your poison” decision.

But either way, whether you support Team Trump or not, we are all living in some of the most turbulent times in many years.

And with turbulence comes stress. The good news is that you can lower your stress level by making some simple changes in your daily routine. Lowering stress levels during turbulent times requires a combination of mindset shifts, practical strategies, and self-care habits. Here are some key ways to manage stress effectively.

1. Control What You Can, Let Go of What You Can’t

Focus on what is within your power—your actions, attitude, and response to challenges.

Accept uncertainty instead of resisting it; adaptability reduces stress. This is really hard, one of those “easier said than done” things. Try anyway; hard to do does not mean impossible to do.

2. Set Boundaries with News and Social Media

Limit exposure to negative news that heightens anxiety.

Consume information intentionally rather than reactively.

3. Maintain Healthy Routines

Prioritize sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet.

Keep a daily schedule to create structure and stability. Maintaining control over your calendar has a surprisingly calming, stress-reducing effect on your life.

4. Stay Connected to Supportive People

Talk to friends, family, or mentors who uplift you. You definitely want to avoid nattering nabobs of negativism if at all possible.

Social connections act as a buffer against stress. The more time you spend alone, the more likely you are to create stress by focusing on the negative stuff in life.

5. Use Physical Movement to Reset Your Mind

Walk, stretch, or engage in activities like yoga to release tension. I even know people who run, like A LOT. They say it’s good for them, but I’m thinking they just haven’t figured out the Uber app.

Physical movement helps regulate emotions; this is well known and proven. When you feel the stress building up, get moving.

6. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities

Ask: “What can I learn from this?” rather than “Why is this happening to me?” Avoid the victim mentality. I can assure you, the world is really NOT out to get you, no matter how rough it is treating you at the moment.

Shifting perspective creates resilience.

7. Practice Gratitude

Focus on what’s good in your life, even amidst difficulty. It takes a bit of effort, especially on particularly tough days, but there is ALWAYS something good happening to you.

Writing down a few things you’re grateful for can shift your mindset. I especially recommend doing this very early in the morning.

8. Take Breaks and Breathe

Step away from work or stressful situations to clear your mind. Do NOT eat lunch at your desk; get away from work, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.

Use breathing techniques like the 4-7-8 method to calm your nervous system.

9. Seek Guidance if Needed

Coaches and mentors can provide valuable tools and perspectives. Find one that you trust and who cares about you, and they can change your life.

There’s no shame in seeking help when stress becomes overwhelming. Everyone—and I mean EVERYONE,—can use a little help now and then.

We’re living in disruptive times; no one likes uncertainty, and most of us are at least somewhat prone to worry. But most of us have also survived and even prospered in times like this in the past. So we know we can do it.

Keep your head about you; failing to do so could mean losing your head, and that might mean losing your a—. And nobody wants that to happen.