When it comes to learning how to be more patient with others, practice makes perfect.

Sophia Bush appeared as a guest on the June 26 episode of the Dear Chelsea podcast for a wide-ranging chat with host Chelsea Handler that covered topics like how it feels to be considered a "hot lesbian" since coming out to the current state of American politics.

While answering a question from a caller frustrated with the political landscape and tired of having cyclical debates with people on the other side of the political spectrum that go nowhere, the One Tree Hill alum shared why it's important to be patient through difficult conversations.

"It's something you have to cultivate too... it's a practice. It requires work," she said. "It's like a muscle you have to build."

Bush also suggested having an outlet outside of these debates to keep grounded in what really matters most.

"And I also think, you know, for a lot of us that are really justice minded, that can't kind of look away from the news, it's also really important to do something that isn't about activism, that isn't about learning a fact, that isn't about having a conversation, but that gives you a reminder of why those things matter," she said, giving examples like volunteering at a food pantry and going to therapy.

She continued, "Therapy and service will be the two greatest things that will shift your energy because when you get caught on the hamster wheel of 'I always have to be doing or fixing or learning or speaking,' you're not existing. You're trying to solve something all the time. And that is a way to stay in trauma."

On Dear Chelsea, Handler gives out her advice and answers questions sent in by listeners. Often joined by celebrity guests and her co-host Catherine Law, the outspoken comedian gives her honest opinions on a variety of topics like love and sex to loss and family problems, all with the blunt humor and edge she is known for. Follow along with new episodes each week to tune in for more of Handler's advice or catch up on past episodes of the Dear Chelsea podcast at iHeart.com.

Danielle Monaro