Election season can be stressful. This election season is absolutely nerve racking for many, as folks wait with bated breath and hope their fears stay fears, and not reality. There is a near-constant buzz of opinions, polls, and forecasts if you access them--and if you're reading this, you are likely tapped into that constant stream of stress. Given the access to the information, and what that information is, it's completely normal to feel on edge.
Here are some ways to stay grounded and keep your wits so that whatever happens, you aren't too depleted to handle it.
Limit News Consumption
Try to set specific times and limits for when you will check the news and how much you want to absorb. Listening to the news 24/7 will make you more informed than most, but will completely drain you. Take in what you need to feel informed, but accept that more news does not always equal better prepared. Sometimes you need sleep, and being overwhelmed helps no one--especially you.
Engage in Mindfulness Practices
The country is anything but calm. Looking outwards won't help you feel at peace. If you don't feel that it is appropriate to feel at peace given the circumstances, then let this serve as a reminder that looking outward also won't facilitate your being at your best. Take some breaths, spend some time meditating, and be present where you are. You will likely feel better and act more effectively.
Local is Global
Obviously the presidential election matters, but so too do elections closer to home--and you have more influence on smaller races. At this point it may be too late to change many votes, but you can encourage your neighbors and friends to make sure they get their ballots in, and talk to them about local issues that impact both of you. Some of the stress of national elections is the powerlessness that it can engender--so take action where you feel more empowered.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking a shower won't save the country. But it may save your sanity over the next 24 hours (or 4 years). Make sure that in the midst of the chaos, you continue to take care of your daily needs: take showers, brush your teeth, go exercise, go to bed, read a book about something other than politics--do things that you would do if you're considering your longterm wellbeing. Even if you don't care now, act "as-if" you care about your future self and these smaller needs. Our actions tell a story, and by ceasing to care for your needs tells yourself that your time is limited and your future self is unimportant--a dire message indeed. Even if you rationally wouldn't endorse the idea that you won't survive the week, ceasing to care for yourself sends the implicit message to yourself that there's no future. So keep telling yourself that you have a future by caring for both your current and your future self.
Stay Connected to Nature
You know what environment we didn't evolve to thrive in? One where we carry the psychic weight of 350 million of our fellow citizens and the global consequences of one election. We did evolve to be in nature, preferably while moving our bodies. Even short breaks outside can help reset and refresh your mind. If possible, consider scheduling short walks or just stepping outside for a few minutes throughout the day. Nature is a powerful stress reducer. Touch a leaf. Smell some rain. Taking a walk outside seems like trite advice in a time like this--but it will be good for you, so consider it.
Vote.
If you haven't, vote. And when you do, let yourself rest easy knowing that you participated in a way that only you can--by casting your vote. Taking action is often the best antidote to worry.
The election will pass, but how you take care of yourself and treat the people around you will endure. So, approach this week with compassion for youself and your needs as a person (which don't disappear during times of crisis). Balance awareness with calm. Balance action with rest. And be kind with yourself.
Comments