Summary

Current studies on the impact of politics on personal well-being have often come from the perspective of constituents. However, recent news headlines have made clear the need for additional research on the role of mental health and mindfulness for public servants. We argue that in order to practice sustainability and be more effective and compassionate public servants, our leaders need more tools to withstand the many stressors of holding elected office. Our methodology focused on interviews with a number of current and former Los Angeles elected officials that identified as “progressive.” This project was not a quantitative or qualitative analysis of this topic. The product is a gathering of collected reflections and insights worth sharing to provide guidance and encourage public discourse about this important topic.