AS&E Students
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, SMFA at Tufts
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AS&E Students
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, SMFA at Tufts
Health & Wellness

Sociopolitical Stress Resources

Uncertain and distressing world events can impact our wellbeing. While it may feel overwhelming, these tips may help:

  • Stay informed but set limits. If you’re feeling stressed out by what you’re seeing in the news, limit your time on social media and with news sources. Try using a physical timer, app time limits on your devices, or apps/websites that temporarily block certain apps or websites.
  • Acknowledge your feelings. Socio-political stress impacts everyone differently. It’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling, whether it’s rage, numbness, or something in-between. Acknowledge how you’re feeling, and don’t judge how others are feeling. 
  • Seek connection and community. Talk with the people in your life who you know will support you and provide nonjudgmental empathy. It’s also okay if you don’t know the “right” thing to say. Simply being with others, even in companionable silence, can be meaningful. 
  • Get involved. If you’re feeling powerless, consider getting involved. Look for organizations to join, donate if you’re able, listen to others, and learn through books, events, podcasts, etc. You might be tempted to prioritize your involvement over your own self-care. However, caring for yourself helps to make your involvement sustainable. 
  • Incorporate movement. Stress can manifest physically in our bodies. Stretching, walking, and other gentle movement can help release the physical tension that often accompanies stress. 
  • Practice mindfulness. Try mindful breathing, downloading a mindfulness meditation app, attending a mindfulness session with Chaplaincy, or doing a relaxation exercise. These exercises can help ground and focus you when you feel swept up in stress. 

Ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, professors, etc. If stress starts to interfere with your daily activities and academics, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. You can schedule an appointment with CMHS at go.tufts.edu/counseling or 617-627-3360.