How to Set Boundaries Around Politics and News to Protect Your Peace and Well-Being
As election season ramps up, it feels like every conversation, social media post, and news headline is about politics. Everywhere you turn, someone’s ready to share a strong, often polarizing opinion. Just dangling the bait out there, waiting for you to pounce. It’s time to set some political boundaries.
It’s like it’s the season of mega volumes of victimhood and judgment that rule the collective mindset. When everyone seems justified to blame all their problems on the government and then judge whoever isn’t fully aligned with their values, labeling them and casting them out or pulling them closer accordingly.
Growing up in a very politically-minded family, I was definitely an outsider. I had no interest in getting into heated debates about who was “right” or just adding my voice to venting sessions about who was oh so very wrong.
While staying informed is important, it’s just as crucial to set political boundaries that protect your mental and emotional well-being. This isn’t about avoiding uncomfortable conversations—it’s about prioritizing your self-care and peace of mind overtaking the low-vibration bait.
During the pandemic, I found myself overwhelmed by all the political noise. My blood would boil as I got sucked into news stories, debates on social media, and discussions at social gatherings. The more I engaged, the more drained and anxious I felt by the extreme judgments and single-minded perspectives there were so damned sure they were “right” and everyone else was a fool if they disagreed.
It was just like I did as a kid, feeling forced to sit through conversations that I was mentally, physically, and emotionally repelled from.
I knew: this isn’t helping me; it’s hurting me.
So, I got clear on my political boundaries around politics and the news. And surprise, surprise – it changed everything. I was calmer, more focused, and better able to engage with what really mattered and aligned with my values in life. I realized I get to decide what I let into my mind and heart—and you do, too.
But how exactly do you set these political boundaries in a world that feels so politically charged? Let’s break it down and back it up with some powerful data.
Prefer to watch? Check out this YouTube video where James and I share our favorite techniques with these news and political boundaries.
3 Tips for Setting Data-Backed Political Boundaries:
1.📵Create Energetic Boundaries Around News Consumption
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received comes from one of our teachers, Michael Bernard Beckwith. He says the news is designed to get an emotional reaction from you, like a movie. With flashing lights, intense tones, and dramatic visuals. And if you’re not mindful, you end up consuming all that added stress and energy, too.
So, how do you avoid this?
Create an energetic boundary by choosing how and when you’ll consume news. Pause and remind yourself that you don’t have to absorb all that energy. Just because there’s drama being portrayed doesn’t mean you need to let it penetrate your peace.
Be intentional—maybe it’s reading (not watching – therefore eliminating the emotional production) one trusted outlet in the middle of the day when you’re ready for it, instead of scrolling first thing in the morning.
Remember, you have more control than you think!
📈Studies show that 56% of Americans report feeling stressed from watching the news, so having these boundaries in place is crucial for your mental health.
2. ⛔Set Clear Boundaries with News and Politics Conversations
We all know how it goes—politics comes up at dinner, during holiday gatherings, or even in casual conversations with friends. And while staying informed is important, you don’t have to engage every time it comes up. In fact, sometimes, the best way to protect your peace is to set a boundary and gently steer the conversation away from politics.
You can say something like, “My intention in coming to dinner was to be more connected with you all. And while I understand why it can feel important to talk about politics with everything going on in the world right now, I’d rather us focus on conversations that bring us together so we can leave here feeling more connected and not further apart. Cool?”
It’s simple, it’s kind, and most importantly, it’s a way to maintain your peace. This isn’t about avoiding difficult topics—it’s about deciding when and where it’s a good use of your energy to engage.
📈According to the Pew Research Center, 53% of Americans find political discussions stressful. So, don’t hesitate to protect your mental well-being by creating space for conversations that don’t drain your energy.
3. 👣Know When to Walk Away
If the conversation or the news gets too heated, removing yourself from the situation is okay. Walking away (or turning off the tv) doesn’t mean you’re avoiding important issues—it means you’re choosing to protect your emotional and mental health.
📈A study by MIT Sloan Management Review found that exposure to negative news reduced productivity by 13%. So, if something’s negatively affecting your mood and focus, give yourself permission to be human and step back. Your peace of mind is worth it.
Why These Political Boundaries Matter Right Now
This election season is filled with intense emotions. When you set these political boundaries, you’re not just protecting your peace—you’re giving yourself the space to live in alignment with your values. 🎯
And if you’re looking for more support in setting boundaries during stressful times, join me for the Holiday Edition of the How to Set Boundaries Bootcamp for just $5. It’s the perfect way to reclaim your time and energy as we head into the holiday season (which, let’s be real, also brings its own set of stressors!). This 5-day bootcamp is all about helping you confidently say “no” to what drains you and “yes” to what fuels you.
Wishing you peace and balance during this election season! 💖
P.S.
Join us for the Holiday Edition of the How to Set Boundaries Bootcamp! This 5-day bootcamp is designed to help you protect your peace and energy through practical boundary-setting techniques. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to confidently set boundaries that align with your values!