by Pamela L. Tippit November 2, 2024
With the upcoming election, the world feels especially loud, doesn’t it? Everywhere you turn—media, social platforms, friends, and even family gatherings—you’re likely bombarded with opinions, predictions, and sometimes heated debates. It can feel overwhelming and suffocating, triggering anxiety, stress, or even a sense of helplessness. As conversations swirl around fears of impending change and uncertainty, it's easy to feel powerless in the face of this information overload.
But there’s hope, and you don’t have to be at the mercy of election anxiety. Here are a few practical strategies to protect your peace and manage the emotional turbulence over the next week and beyond:
1. Limit Your Media Consumption
The constant flow of news updates and commentary can amplify stress and anxiety. Give yourself permission to take breaks from the news and social media. Schedule specific times to check in with reliable sources, and avoid doomscrolling or consuming information right before bed. By setting boundaries, you can maintain a sense of control over the content you take in.
2. Create “Opinion-Free” Zones
Consider establishing areas in your life where election talk is off-limits, such as the dinner table, your car, or your favorite reading nook. These zones can be literal spaces in your home or metaphorical ones, like dedicated times in your day to avoid discussing politics. Surround yourself with calming activities, like reading a book, practicing yoga, or diving into a favorite hobby, to help ground yourself.
3. Prioritize Self-Care Routines
Taking care of your body and mind is crucial when anxiety levels are high. Here’s what you can try:
Exercise: Engage in activities that get your heart rate up, such as walking, dancing, or playing with your pet. Physical movement releases endorphins and reduces stress.
Mindful Breathing: Practice deep, intentional breathing exercises to help reduce immediate feelings of anxiety. Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts.
Sleep Hygiene: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming nighttime routine. Try winding down with a warm bath, soothing music, or a chapter from a light-hearted book.
4. Ground Yourself in the Present
Anxiety often comes from worrying about the unknown future. Practice mindfulness to bring your awareness back to the present. This might include meditation, focusing on the sensations around you, or using grounding techniques like listing five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
5. Connect with Your Support System Wisely
While connecting with loved ones can be comforting, be mindful of who you spend time with. If election discussions are causing more stress, it’s okay to set boundaries. Use statements like, “I’d love to catch up, but I’d prefer we steer clear of politics today.” Surround yourself with people who lift your spirits and respect your need for peace.
6. Channel Your Energy Productively
If feelings of powerlessness weigh heavy, consider getting involved in a way that feels meaningful to you. This could mean volunteering for a cause you believe in, donating to an organization that aligns with your values, or even simply writing in a journal about your hopes and concerns. Taking action, even in small ways, can restore a sense of agency.
7. Practice Self-Compassion
Remember that it's okay to feel anxious or stressed. Acknowledge your emotions without judgment and give yourself grace. Remind yourself that everyone is processing the current climate in their own way. By practicing self-compassion, you can more easily navigate these tough emotions and come out the other side feeling resilient.
Final Thoughts
Election anxiety is real, and you’re not alone in feeling it. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can better protect your well-being and foster a sense of stability in the coming days. Change and uncertainty are inevitable, but taking care of yourself is a powerful act of self-preservation—and you deserve that.
Stay safe, stay informed (in moderation), and remember: your mental health comes first.
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