How to Be Present, Even in the Chaos of Election Week
Feeling the stress this week? Join me for practical tips, heartfelt reminders, and inspiration to help you stay centered and steady, no matter what happens.
I remember so clearly when Donald Trump was elected president in 2016. I was a freshly minted stay-at-home mom, with my first baby who was just a few months old.
At that time, I felt incredibly alone and overwhelmed. Not just because of the typical challenges of having a new baby, but also because of the tension swirling around the country and world. Everything seemed so beyond my control, which made it feel even more daunting. Especially with this new baby in my arms, who I wanted to protect and raise in a place where everything felt safe and okay.
That season of life taught me so much about acknowledging what I can and can’t control. It pushed me to find inner peace and lean into my intuition, which is now an essential part of how I show up in my life as a person, mom, and intuition coach.
Easing Election Week Stress Levels
This week, with election stress at an all-time max, I wanted to talk about staying present, even in the chaos. I recorded this episode on Monday afternoon before the polls closed. I thought maybe we wouldn’t know the outcome yet. I had a hunch tensions would still be running high.
Now, we know that Donald Trump has been elected. Again. Now, more than ever, my invitation is to focus on what’s within your control and cultivate your inner peace in the face of an uncertain future.
Journal Prompts for Reflection
Pour yourself a drink, grab your journal, set yourself up in a cozy situation, and write…
How has this election made you feel? Maybe you’re anxious or hopeful, disappointed or confused. Maybe you’re feeling both. Why do you feel that way, and how do you want to feel instead?
What’s actually within your control? Voting is over and done with, then focus on what you can do now. If you’re feeling stressed, consider if setting limits on news and social media might help you find a little more peace.
Are you engaging in conversations that serve you? While productive conversations have their place, know your energy and decide if certain discussions are worth it right now.
Where is the chaos in your life coming from? Is it from watching the news non-stop or refreshing social media? If so, what boundaries can you set to turn down the noise and reclaim your peace?
Setting Boundaries for Your Well-Being
When you think of boundaries, do you imagine little fences that keep others from disturbing your peace? That’s super common, but I believe that some of the most effective (and supportive) boundaries are the ones you set for yourself.
That might mean stepping away from your phone, closing your laptop, or not refreshing that news page for the hundredth time. If you need a “refresh,” do something that actually feels refreshing. Take a walk, drink some water, cook a nourishing meal, laugh with friends, or read a book.
And when you do catch yourself hitting “refresh” on your screen, let it be a cue to check in with yourself. Ask, “Why am I doing this? What do I really need right now?” Sometimes, the answer is just to breathe and be.
Make Time to Take Care of Your Human
Have you seen that video of Matthew Hussey with Drew Barrymore on Instagram where he says,
“Imagine at the beginning of your life, you were given a human. And you were told, ‘hey Drew, you have one job, for the rest of your life, you have to take care of this human’. Most of us have not realized that that’s our job… we start looking for someone else to show up for us. But we are our human. The only person who’s only here to take care of Matthew is me. He’s in my custody. So you wake up in the morning and ask yourself: What would I do today if I was taking care of my human?”
In stressful times, prioritize the basics. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, drinking water, eating balanced meals, stepping outside for fresh air, and moving your body.
These simple acts can have a huge impact on your well-being. When you’re taking care of your physical self, you’ll find that your mind and emotions can handle stress with more ease and resilience.
The Incredible Magic of Ritual Stacking
One way to cultivate presence is through what I call ritual stacking. This is taking something you already do daily, like brewing your morning coffee, doing your skincare routine, or taking your kids to school, and adding a ritual that helps you feel grounded.
Ritual Stack: Coffee + Meditation
Maybe you brew your coffee and then take 10 minutes to meditate. My Meditation Collection has short, 10-minute guided practices that are easy to fit into your day and can make a big difference in how you feel.
Ritual Stack: Evening Skincare + Journaling
Or you do your evening skincare routine and journal for eight minutes before bed. Journaling helps release stress and find presence. If you’re not sure where to start, my free Journal with Intuition class is a great resource. It teaches you how to journal with your inner voice, and the practice itself only takes eight minutes.
Connect with Presence and Peace Within
In chaos and overwhelm, pause to ask your inner voice, “What do I need?” This simple practice shifts your focus from external stress to internal support. And if you want deeper support, book An Hour of Intuition. It’s a one-hour, guided coaching session where I help you connect with your inner voice, release emotions, and find the clarity you crave.
Be In the Practice of Being Present, Not Perfect
What’s one small thing you can do today to take care of your emotions, your mind, and your spirit? Remember that being present isn’t a one-time action. It’s a practice that gets easier over time but needs to be maintained. Start small, take the pressure off, and know that your best is enough!
If you’re inspired, tag me on Instagram @kaileenelise and share how you’re finding peace in the present. I’d love to see and share your stories with our community.
Listen to the Celebrate Cultivate Podcast
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About Kaileen Elise Sues
Hi, I'm Kaileen! Intuition coach, host of the Celebrate Cultivate podcast, and mom of three.
Until I found my inner voice, I was a perfectionist always on the edge of overwhelm. This practice changes everything.
That’s why I’m here to help you access your intuition. So you can heal old wounds, manifest magic, and find calm in the chaos of daily life.