Facing a constant barrage of political messages can put our emotions to the test. The stakes are high and tension is in the air, but you can remain calm, cool and collected no matter who wins the election. Learn to recognize your stressors and how to gracefully detach so you can remain fully-functional and fruitful for yourself and others.
Are you experiencing election stress?
According to the American Psychological Association, 80 percent of both Democrats and Republicans name politics as one of their biggest stressors. If you find yourself losing sleep with worry over debated topics, neglecting responsibilities because you are glued to the election news, or adopting nervous eating habits with the approach of the election, it may be time to step back and reclaim your life.
Balance your news
One thing we all need to realize is that much of the information we receive is sensational. Once we adopt a certain view, we are likely to be more receptive to like views, even if they are biased or extreme. Social media is especially notorious for unbalanced news, and continuous exposure can make us feel threatened by the opposing party.
To get a more realistic picture of the world, we need to consider it from all sides. Be open to what the “other side” has to say, and instead of dismissing someone because of their party, try focusing on the good in what they have to offer.
Reduce your exposure
With election coverage all over the media, we need to know our limits. Speculation can seem like fact after enough repetition, so tune out before it gets to that point. Set all devices aside and read a real book, go shopping at an actual store, prepare a home-cooked meal and remember what it is like to live offline.
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It may seem like going back in time, but this can give you the perspective necessary to see that life carries on through all sorts of ups and downs, and we will make it through this election and term, just like we have made it through all the previous ones.
Meditation
Meditation has long been considered a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and depression. Mindful meditation, in particular, calls our attention to the moment, where you tune in to your thoughts, sensations and emotions in a way that enables you to acknowledge them and let them go, rather than reacting. A daily dose of this classic remedy for stress can improve your life in countless ways.
Rake leaves or do other outdoor activity
There’s no time like November for raking leaves. A beautiful fall day with the sound of crisp, fallen leaves all around you can do much to mitigate election stress. If you don’t like raking, that’s okay. Choose another physical activity that you do enjoy. Biking, building, ball games, you name it — the goal is to get outside and do something fun to take your mind off of politics.
Simply immersing yourself in nature can refresh and reboot your brain. Listen to the birds — they don’t call each other names; and watch the squirrels — they are incredibly candid, even when hiding their treasured nuts.
Accepting the outcome with grace
If your candidate wins, don’t gloat. Much of the population is going to be disappointed — there’s no need to make them feel worse. You could even exhibit some extra kindness to show them that things aren’t as bad as they might think.
If your candidate does not win, acknowledge your disappointment, but don’t let it consume you. You’re not alone, yet airing your grievances on social media only breeds anger and resentment. Focus your energy instead on constructive contributions. Stay informed and get involved to stimulate positive change, and you’ll find the term is up before you know it.
Ultimately what makes America great is not the president, but the diverse millions of talented, tolerant, and compassionate individuals that make up our amazing country.
