Election Fatigue: How to Take Care of Yourself During an Election

There are over 300 million Americans who are anxiously waiting for the November 3rd Election Results. People of various backgrounds, ideologies, philosophies, religions, sexualities, ethnicities and races have taken the initiative to vote for the individual who will represent them and, to their perceptions, prevent the country from entering chaos.

I will not discuss political affiliations nor endorse any party, but disclose how every American in the political spectrum strongly believes the country is in danger if the opposing candidate wins. This pathology is a result of mental health distortions that is being fed by anxiety, stress, depression, and fear. Allowing the negative thoughts the control of your life, your decisions, and your happiness is the beginning phase of pathology and will not be solved even if your preferred candidate wins.

How can you reduce improve your mental health during this stressful time? I’m glad you asked.

Distraction

One of the easiest ways to distract yourself is finding an activity that already allows you to not worry about time, stressors, and the tv. These can include hobbies such as fishing, cooking, baking, exercising, walking, and much more. TV can certainly be a distraction but there is always the risk of taking a “quick peek” at the news. For this, I ask you not try to focus too much on social media or tv and try to distract yourself until you are ready.

Mindfulness

Take some time to be away from the political talk and sit in silence, enjoy the sounds or the feeling of nature if you have the privilege. It truly is a gift to be able to sit in silence, acknowledge your world, and self. You can also ask your body what it really needs right now and sometimes you may hear that whisper asking for love, food, or space.

What if I’m already anxious?

Good question, chances are you are already experiencing significant anxiety and stress while reading this. Focusing on grounding yourself back to reality and providing unconditional positive regard for yourself can reduce anxiety and the following recommendations are listed below.

Breathe: As discussed in my previous entries, you would be surprised how little we actually breathe! The first thing we need to do is to slowly take deep breathes. Breathe in for 4 seconds straight, hold the breathe for 7 seconds straight and breathe out for 8 seconds straight. Should you have difficulty with this exercise you can simply try for half the time. The main focus is to decrease your sympathetic nervous system which controls fight or flight response, Adrenalin, cortisol (stress hormone), and increased heart rate. The deep breathing and relaxing will tell your brain the “crisis” is over and increase your parasympathetic nervous system which has the opposite effects and will help your body begin the process of de-stressing.

Affirmation Jar: If you have a small container, grab it and place positive and logical affirmations or quotes from loved ones or inspirations in your jar, when feeling anxious you can grab your thoughts and read the statements. Examples would be “Even if ____ wins, I will still be safe and so will my family”, “I will be able to try again next election and I still made a difference in my own way”, “I am loved and not alone”, “My boss said I have been doing an amazing job at work”.

There is so much more we could talk about for self care, but it is time for your to begin practicing, young learner! I hope you take care of yourself for the next 24 hours and after. I hope you do not let anxiety control your thoughts and behaviors. In the end, we are all human and we need to treat each other humanely, even if we have opposing beliefs. I hope you stay safe and lastly, I hope you seek mental health services should you need it.

These are hard times, especially during a pandemic but one thing I will say is I am so proud of you for making it this far, I am so proud of you for enduring life’s challenges and moving on and I wish I could hear you tell me how you have done it. I know you will continue doing it.