As coaches, we know how important it is to hold space for others—even when the world around us feels chaotic. But let’s face it: election season can really push us to our limits. With heightened emotions, nonstop news, and conversations charged with opinions, it can be hard to stay centered.

Staying grounded isn’t just a luxury at this critical time—it’s essential for the people we serve. When we tend to our own nervous systems first, we can better support our families, clients, and communities. The Somatic Coaching Academy graduate community gathered for our monthly office recently and co-collaborated on strategies to maintain our sanity during and through the election season. Here are our top 10 best practices.

1. Set Intentions and Let Go of the Outcome

In coaching, we’re often focused on guiding others toward progress and specific outcomes. Elections help us to practice an important principle: we cannot control outcomes. A powerful way to stay sane during this season is to set an intention for how you want to show up, focus on that daily, and let go of the outcomes.

I love what one of our community members, Chris, shared: “Whoever wins, I’m going to be okay. I’m choosing to be okay.” This philosophy of acceptance—similar to Buddhist practices—reminds us that inner peace doesn’t depend on external events. When we let go of the outcome, we free ourselves from unnecessary emotional stress.

2. Engage in Pattern Disruption

When our minds get stuck in fear or frustration, pattern disruption can help us reset. A small shift in focus—like breathwork or tapping—can be all you need to return to the center. One of our favorite somatic practice strategies is Negative Pattern Disruption. But by bouncing and shaking, we can disrupt the grip that our thought patterns have on us and get us back into our bodies. 

Ask yourself: What’s your favorite pattern-disruption technique? Maybe it’s your favorite somatic practice, a cold shower, or simply changing environments. Keeping a “magic backpack” of practices handy can make all the difference during turbulent times.

3. Take a Break from the Noise: Limit Media and Social Media Consumption

The constant buzz of political news can leave us emotionally drained. Be intentional about what you consume and when. It’s okay to snooze accounts that trigger stress or mute conversations that don’t serve you. Stay within your own window of tolerance and pay attention to your nervous system.

One participant shared, “I’ve already snoozed several people I love who can’t stop bickering about politics.” We get to choose how much exposure we want. Remember, staying informed is important, and so is maintaining your window of tolerance. 

4. Lean Into Community Support

Election season can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to. For one thing, we can take our stress and anxiety personally rather than realizing that there is a lot of collective stress we might be picking up on and owning needlessly. Take extra time to lean into supportive communities—whether that’s through your coaching circle, family, or friends. Creating safe spaces where you can express emotions without judgment is essential.

In our sessions, I remind participants: “It’s okay not to be okay here.” If conversations feel overwhelming, you always have permission to step away and return when ready. This is how we practice what we preach: be mindful of your own needs and attend to them.

5. Use Self-Reflection to Cultivate Compassion

Elections stir up deep emotions. Sometimes, we project those emotions outward without realizing they reflect unexamined parts of ourselves. When frustration arises, ask yourself: “What does this say about me? What might I learn from my reactions?”

I encourage journaling as a way to explore these insights. The qualities we admire in political figures mirror our strengths. Similarly, the behaviors we despise are opportunities for growth. Compassion begins with awareness and honest reflection.

6. Plan Ahead for Self-Care Days

During election season, we need to proactively care for ourselves. If we don’t leave space and time on our calendar to process how we’re feeling and have downtime, we can add to the collective stress rather than diminish it. In 2020, I didn’t leave any extra time on my calendar on the day of and directly after the election, so I wasn’t ready for how much extra support my clients needed after the results. This year, I’ve set aside the day after the election to rest and process.

Think about how you can structure your schedule to protect your energy. Maybe you block out a few hours for reflection or take time off the day after the election to regroup. Your clients will benefit from your intentional care.

7. Focus on Love and Compassion as Anchors

As Marianne Williamson said: “Love is the only power that can override hate.” Staying connected to love isn’t always easy, especially when the political landscape feels so divisive. But by choosing love over fear, we become a source of peace for others.

Even when things don’t go the way we hoped (or even when they did!), coming from a place of compassion allows us to lead by example. When we embody love, we send ripples of sanity and kindness into our communities—whether at the grocery store, in volunteer work, or with our families.

8. Practice Conscious Emotional Awareness

We’ve all felt emotions bubble up unexpectedly—like stress, anger, or fear. Rather than suppress them, try tuning into your body. Ask yourself: “Where do I feel this emotion physically? What does it feel like?”

Some of our community members shared that bringing awareness to physical sensations helped them stay grounded. Mapping emotions to the body gives us an opportunity to release tension and unlock new possibilities. This practice is particularly helpful for those who’ve gone through our Somatic Coach Pro certification program.

9. Hold Space for Clients Without Absorbing Their Emotions

As coaches, we naturally hold space for others. But during intense seasons like elections, we need to be careful not to absorb our clients’ emotions. Remember, being present doesn’t mean taking on their stress.

One coach in our community shared how clients showed up in tears after past elections. This time, she’s preparing herself emotionally, knowing she’ll need extra energy to support them. Holding space with compassion—but without internalizing emotions—allows us to stay grounded and centered in our role and ourselves.

10. Embrace Compassion for Yourself and Others

Election seasons highlight differences—and it’s tempting to judge those who see the world differently. But compassion allows us to hold space for multiple perspectives. As one participant, Lynn, beautifully put it:

“As a woman and a person of color, I recognize that not everyone sees the world the way I do—and that’s okay. We both get to believe what we believe and feel safe doing so.”

The world needs more compassion right now—both for ourselves and others. Practice gentleness toward yourself and extend grace to those around you, even (and especially) when disagreements arise. As communities of people, we are more creative and effective because we see things differently. 

Final Thoughts

We get to choose how we feel—and that choice is more important than ever during election season. As coaches, let’s commit to staying grounded, showing love, and being a source of peace for the people we serve.

Thank you for being part of the Somatic Coaching Academy community. Together, let’s take care of ourselves first so we can show up fully for our clients, families, and neighbors. Remember: Your presence matters, and the way you care for yourself ripples out to everyone you touch.

Ani Anderson

Ani Anderson MS, OT, LMT, CEMP, ICF ACC, ELI is the Director of Operations and Coaching for the Somatic Coaching Academy and the co-creator of Sensation-Based Motivation Boaching. She is an Occupational Therapist, Certified Energy Medicine professional, and iPEC ICF coach. Ani is the best-selling author of Find Your Soul’s Agenda, the one word that will make your whole life a success.