Elections can be significant stressors, with constant media coverage and heated discussions that may invade your daily life. Here’s how you can keep your election stress in check both in the short term and over the long-haul during election seasons.
Immediate Relief: Short-Term Strategies
Stay Informed, But Set Limits
It’s important to stay informed, but overexposure to election coverage can heighten anxiety.
- If you use news outlet apps, consider turning off notifications so you maintain control of when you absorb information.
- Check news information across a few reliable news to avoid misinformation and speculative commentary.
Effective Communication
Set Boundaries in Discussions
- Have strategies ready to steer conversations away from potentially stressful political topics.
- Knowing how to change the subject or exit a conversation gracefully can help maintain your mental peace during polarized times.
- Decide on where your are boundaries and stick to them.
Identify Anxiety Triggers
Recognize what aspects of the election process cause you the most stress.
- Identify what issues are most important to you and where election stress comes from. Come up with some calming points to remind yourself when faced with news about your prioritized issues.
- Identify whether this is a concern to you as an individual, or if the concern is on a bigger scale. Make sure you are safe before you try to take on bigger picture issues.
Building Resilience: Long-Term Plans
Prepare Contingency Plans
Depending on your concerns, outline plans for different election outcomes.
- Once you identify which issues are most important to you, preparing how you’ll respond to upcoming news can lessen the impact of uncertainties and reinforce your sense of control.
- Tell yourself that you have a plan if certain things happen, and remind yourself that it’s okay to feel anxious in uncertain times. You have a plan, you are okay.
Civic Engagement
Getting involved when you’re ready
- Channeling your concerns into action can be therapeutic and give you a sense of control. Consider volunteering in community services or participating in local groups that align with your values. This can provide a constructive outlet for your energy and begin to alleviate election stress.
Remember, it’s okay to step back and take care of yourself—your mental health matters just as much as your civic engagement.
