By Lunell Haught, President, LWV of Washington 

So many things to do, so little time. 

While spending time dealing with our own issues (personal, family, and friends), League members have the added stress of being aware of the challenges to our democracy, the need for early childhood education, how to care for the disenfranchised, what to do about climate change/instability—the list goes on.  

Science tells us stress can cause increased aggression as a way to feel better about being overwhelmed. Good to know. It helps me bite my tongue, take a breath, leave a room, or not send an email, so I can move my thinking into my prefrontal lobe (which handles executive functions, especially decision-making). Having compassion for those in stress (who isn’t?) doesn’t mean people get a “pass” on that behavior, but it certainly helps me answer the question “what are they thinking?” and decide what to do next. 

One of the causes of stress is having a sense of no control. Here are some things to consider doing to help you feel like you’re making a difference.  

• Find out what boards in your community have openings for citizens and apply to serve.  

• Run for office—seriously—you know people and you love politics. I did it. It was hard. I was amazed at the people who “showed up” for me. I lost—either way, you change the focus of a race. If you win, being in leadership can be an extremely valuable experience, especially in this age of outrage. 

• Support candidates and elected officials who feel the same way you do about issues, if your League position allows. It is easy to say nothing and make observations when you don’t approve of something. Representatives need support through notes, calls, and mentions in public. If you don’t want to run for office yourself, support those who do—both before and after the election.  

• Write a letter to the editor of your newspaper. 

• Ask someone to join you at a League meeting—or Zoom in and talk about it later.  

• Create space for yourself—tune out and charge your own batteries so you can continue working on what’s important.  

Send me your suggestions too—I’ll share them.