Today, helpful advice on how to have less gnashing of teeth in your life.

We've all just been through an exhausting political election season, and for those of us living in swing states, we've survived an assault of drama, haranguing, and negative ads that cannot be believed.  There was a time when I would find myself sitting around CLENCHED from head to toe, fit to be tied from all the craziness and things that were being said.  However I realized that I always felt MUCH less upset and powerless when I was trying to DO something about it.

When possible, in situations like this recent poltical season, I try to volunteer as much as I can.  Ultimately the small bit I can do is just a tiny drop in the ocean of all that happens in these campaigns, but in MY life it is huge.  I fee like I'm DOING something, however small, to try to help move forward something I care about.  And this volunteering turns out to be as much about feeling empowered MYSELF as it does about the person or movement I'm trying to help.

Volunteers of every stripe will tell you this.  If you can just give a small bit of time, to whatever cause or organization you care about, the benefits that you reap yourself are huge.  There is great power in taking action.

Many people believe that they have to fork over huge swathes of time, but just a few minutes, an hour here or there, really can make a difference for many organizations.

If your schedule truly cannot accommodate any gift of your time, then write a check!  I once heard a wonderful quote that said that "My money can go places and do things I could never do myself.  I can feed people in far off countries, go on great adventures, support causes all over the world."  Your money is powerful and by giving even a few dollars you are making a difference in a way that you likely could not in person.  No matter if you send a check for $1 or $1000, it's no one's business but your own and can empower you greatly.

Also take action at home.  Wish there was more arts and culture in your town?  Volunteer an hour to a local theater or musical group.  Believe me, there is something you can do.  Worried about schools?  Read to elementary school children or be a mentor for a struggling teen.   Hate seeing young people out of shape?  Coach a team or give helpful advice at the gym.

People often think that these bits of volunteering take valuable time and energy, but the opposite is true.  The benefits and empowerment you reap from even small slivers of time can boost your life and energy in powerful ways.  You'll find yourself energized and more productive in your regular work and activities.

In these poltical campaigns, I have volunteered for issues and candidates that have won and lost.  But either way I left the experience feeling better, like I at least tried to help, and even when licking my wounds I knew I had done something that felt empowering.  Think about how you can do this in your own life.  Less gnashing, more smiling, more sailing toward the better world we all want!