Well… the big day is almost here. On Tuesday, Americans will hit the polls and cast their vote for the next President. This election has been a wild one. Perhaps you’re feeling the stress, social anxiety, judgement, and fear that is evident in the country. Following are some strategies to help you navigate the week (and years) ahead.

1.  Make your own decision. At the end of the day, your relationship with yourself is what matters most.

2.  Set boundaries as needed. If you love talking politics, soak this stuff up, and love every second of it, then by all means, take it all in! However, if you feel overwhelmed or sad or frustrated by conversations, TV, and social media, give yourself permission to opt out. Excuse yourself, turn it off, don’t engage. There are lots of other topics that would love your attention.

3.  Separate people from ideas/opinions. You can still love people even if they have different (or really, really different) thoughts than you.

4.  Think smaller. It’s easy to get swept up in the “what if’s” on a national and global level. Bring your attention home. You still control how you manage yourself, how you relate to others, and how you live out your values and ideas.

5.   Your character is the one that counts. While you’re observing the candidates and their supporters/detractors, be mindful of your own character. Name calling, violence, and hatred don’t look good on anyone. We contribute more to positive progress (and personal peace) when we elevate our own behavior instead of critiquing others.

Bottom line, the more you stay focused on the part of life you control, the more easily you will be able to navigate conflicting political climates and whatever else the journey of life is bringing you. Lastly, have a little faith, my friends. The sun will rise on Wednesday, and if nothing else, at least we’ll get new commercials on TV.