Peace Over Politics: A Happier Retirement Strategy
An opportunity for peace!
You’ve worked hard and now It's time for pursuing passions, enjoying your hard-earned freedom, and savoring the peace you deserve. But for many, there's one BIG thing that disrupts that peace and injects stress and conflict into our lives…Politics
Ask yourself if scrolling through the news or even social media make your blood pressure rise? Do you suffer strained relationships with family and friends? If so, you're not alone.
Let’s explore Intentionally stepping back from politics and if doing so can add happiness and peace to our lives.
Today we’ll discuss the pros and cons of disengaging from politics and most importantly, explore some methods for making it happen.
The Arguments for Disengaging
Stress Reduction:
News cycles are dominated by negativity, conflict, and a sense of impending doom. Politics dominates the news, social media, and even family gatherings. It shouldn’t be surprising that Disengaging from all the BS will significantly lower stress levels and improve mental health.
Being informed and engaged can feel important, but the sheer volume and tone of political discourse is detrimental. Like those negative people we’ve all tossed from our lives, I believe politics is better tossed too!
As we enter our second act, whether retirement or recovery, the constant negativity is a source of stress and anxiety we’re better off without. This is backed up by experts in longevity and health, who repeatedly emphasize the harmful effects of chronic stress. Regularly engaging with emotionally charged political content will absolutely lead to elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This contributes to inflammation, disrupts our sleep patterns, and even negatively impacts our cardiovascular health. All of this directly undermine our efforts to live longer, healthier, and happier.
How About More Energy to Focus on personal goals:
Only a fool would choose to spend time feeling angry about things they can’t control. Getting bogged down in political debates steals energy and it steals it from the good stuff.After years of hard work, dedication and even survival for some, it’s time to focus our energy on personal passions, hobbies, relationships, and our well-being.
How about regaining a sense of control:
We may feel that we have little control over national or global politics, and it’s true! But, we have a great deal of control over our personal life. Focusing on what we as individual can control is empowering and rewarding! There’s a certain kind of person who hangs motivational pictures on their office walls. One of the most common speaks to the ability to only focus on things in our control.
Another big benefit - Finding common ground with others:
By avoiding political talk, we can focus on shared interests and foster a sense of community and belonging. How many of you can recount a moment when political discussion soured the occasion.
The most important (To Me anyway) Preserving relationships:
Political disagreements are a leading cause of trouble in families and friendships. Avoid political topics and maintain heathy relationships with family and friends
Why Stay Involved with politics.
Civic duty:
Some people consider this their civic duty. They believe they need to stay informed and participate in the political process, especially as they get older and have more time. I for one, think the exact opposite. Let the younger ones yell “boomer” and let them fix their own problems.
Belief in the Direct Impact on their lives:
Most of us are directly impacted by social security, healthcare, taxes, and other policies. Disengaging entirely might feel like ignoring issues that directly impact our well-being. However, I’m convinced that our personal discipline and actions make more of difference than any issue on the national level.. (except for illegal immigration) On the local level, I believe there is more of a need to stay engaged and, I don’t see the same level of hate and vitriol on local issues
Personal values:
For many, their personal values are deeply intertwined with their political beliefs. Asking those people to "stay out of politics" might feel like asking them to stop breathing. For them, I say enjoy letting others control your life.
The danger of isolation:
While avoiding conflict is good, but complete disengagement can lead to a sense of disconnection for some. But remember, let that stress in and you have lost control of your future.
How to make space from politics
Limit Your News Consumption:
Set specific times to check the news, rather than constantly refreshing feeds. Also, try to avoid overly partisan outlets.
Curate Your Social Media Feed:
Unfollow or mute accounts that continuously share political content that triggers negative emotions. We all know the type of accounts I’m talking about. Then work on filling your feed with positive, and hobby-related content. Start searching for puppy and kitten videos, hobby videos, etc and your feeds will adjust automatically.
Next, Set Boundaries in Conversations:
Disengage from political discussions, especially if they become heated or unproductive. You can say something like, all this stuff is souring my mood, I'm trying to take a break from politics. Let’s talk about something else. Note that saying such a thing does not take a side…
Dealing with Family During the Holidays
One of the most challenging places to navigate political differences is with family, especially during the holidays. These gatherings are meant to be a time of joy, but a single political disagreement can spoil the atmosphere. When a political topic arises, remember that your goal is not to win an argument, but to preserve the relationship.
You can acknowledge what was said by saying Something like, “I agree that’s a tough issue”. You can also be direct but kind. And as mentioned earlier, Say, I've decided to step away from political talk, especially during the holiday. Can we talk about something else? You are taking a stand for your own peace, not for a political reason.
Most importantly, remind yourself of the reasons you love the people you are with. Focus the conversation on shared memories, passions, or plans for the coming year. The goal is to build on what connects you, not what divides you.
Focus on Local and Personal Impact:
Instead of focusing on distant, national issues, shift your energy towards your local community and the things you can directly influence. Volunteering, supporting local causes, or simply being a good neighbor. All of these things can provide a greater sense of purpose and control.”
How about Reconnecting with Hobbies and Interests:
Dedicate more time to activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's gardening, reading, painting, spending time with grandchildren, or pursuing a lifelong dream like travel, these are the things that truly matter
Lastly Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude:
Regularly engaging in practices like walking in the park or simply taking time to appreciate the good things will buffer the negative effects of external stressors, including political news."
Choosing Your Peace - In or Out
This isn't about being apathetic or ignoring important issues, it's about choosing where you direct your energy and attention. You have the power to cultivate a more peaceful and fulfilling second act by intentionally creating space from the turbulent world of politics. It's about prioritizing your well-being, your relationships, and the joy that this stage of life can offer. Embrace your peace. Embrace your second act.
What are your thoughts on this? Does political news and conflict add stress to your life?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Joey out.