A Soul Care Guide for Election Week (with things to do, listen to, read, remember, and more!)
We’re in a big week here in America. An important and historic presidential election is looming, and no matter the outcome, there is sure to be a wave of intense reactions and responses. It feels heavy on my spirit this week, and I want to do all I can to stay centered, grounded, and anchored to what is good, true, and lovely this week especially. I turned to Instagram and Twitter to crowdsource all the encouraging, uplifting, helpful things I could find, and I’ve compiled them all here.
(The following lists are collaborative, and not all from myself personally! I can’t vouch for every single thing shared, but hope the variety of ideas included here gives you something that connects with or works for you, no matter who you are or what you believe.)
May you find peace in the midst of the chaos, calm in the middle of the storm, and an anchor to hold you secure.
I hope these things help.
TO LISTEN TO:
TO DO:
Vote!!!
Bake or cook something
Make a list
Talk to the people you love
Watch Harry Potter movies
Decorate for Christmas
Quiet your heart with God
Deep breathing exercises
Walk in nature
Get outside
Soak up sunsets
Paint
Exercise, do yoga
Watch a favorite movie
Breathe fresh air
Talk to God and give God your worries
Go to the library
Read the Mosaic laws in Deuteronomy, Exodus, Leviticus
Listen to the Gospels in the Dwell app
Pause app (one minute pause) meditations
Limit social media
Go to bed early
Take a shower or a bath
Lectio 365 app
Eat veggies
Watch light-hearted tv
Crochet/cross-stitch/knit
Go to therapy
Be present with your kids/family
Wrap up in a cozy blanket
Pet a dog
Limit screen time
Limit sugar intake
Make a therapy appointment
Journal
Read good fiction
Eat comfort food
Take a nap
Play with kids
Pray
Stick to your morning routine
Read your Bible
Stretch
Use essential oils or light a candle
Go to Target
Drink wine, or hot tea
Meditate
Clean or tidy your home
Turn off the news
Listen to podcasts
Do a puzzle
Drink lots of water
Write out gratitude
Make Christmas gifts
Write down 5 good things
Stand outside barefoot
Ice baths
Alternate nostril breathing
TO READ:
These images are books I recommend (a blend of non-fiction, faith, politics, poetry, and light-hearted fiction for when you need an escape!):
Recommendations from others:
The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey through Anguish to Freedom by Henri Nouwen
What Unites Us by Dan Rather
Lighthearted reads (ex: The Antidote for Everything)
Under the Dome by Stephen King
Mary Oliver poetry
Don’t Let Politics Steal Your Peace (on the Bible app)
Psalms + Proverbs
Fiction books for escapism
A Gentle Answer by Scott Sauls
Ephesians
Christian romance novels
Harry Potter
Romance novels
Isaiah
TO REMEMBER:
Government isn’t our savior.
Jesus is on the throne.
There are a lot of good politicians working hard.
I love you, Lord, my strength. (Psalm 18:1-3)
God has the power to redeem any situation.
No matter who becomes president, Jesus is still King.
All truth is God’s truth.
