As election season approaches, it’s normal to feel a wave of anxiety wash over you. The pressure to make informed choices, the fear of potential consequences, and the overwhelming influx of information can create a perfect storm of stress. It’s crucial to acknowledge this anxiety and prioritize your mental health during this time. Remember, your well-being matters just as much as your vote. Take breaks from the news, engage in mindfulness practices, or talk it out with friends. By caring for your mental health, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the election and make choices that resonate with your values. Let’s empower ourselves to stay grounded and approach this election season with clarity and peace!
8 Ways to Prioritize Your Self-Care Right Now
- Identify Your Needs- Take time to reflect on your feelings about the election, as understanding your triggers and your capacity to engage with election material is crucial, and remember that this capacity can change, so stay flexible to your needs in different situations.
- Set Boundaries – Set clear boundaries and communicate them to friends and family; limit exposure to stressful news and discuss overwhelming topics with coworkers to protect your mental health and reduce anxiety.
- Practice Mindfulness- If election anxiety becomes overwhelming, try mindfulness exercises like taking a moment to identify five things you can see, four things you can hear, and three things you can smell to help ground yourself and regain focus.
- Touch Grass (Seriously)- Dr. Romanoff suggests that if your election anxiety becomes overwhelming, take a moment to ground yourself by getting fresh air, practicing deep breaths, and stepping away from news or social media to protect your mental well-being.
- Unplug!- Dr. Marschall advises, “It’s okay to unplug from news and social media to preserve your peace and energy for things you can take action on, as election anxiety and constant updates can lead to chronic stress that harms your mental health.”
- Control What You Can Actually Control- Election anxiety often leads to behaviors like constantly checking news updates and polling results, using distractions like social media or music, and seeking reassurance from friends and family about their voting plans, all in an attempt to find a sense of control and certainty, says Dr. Romanoff. However, this quest for information can deepen anxiety, and ultimately, the only actions you can take right now are to vote and wait—embracing this lack of control can be both stressful and liberating.
- Engage With Your Community—Safely- To support your mental health during political discussions, aim for open and respectful conversations rather than heated arguments; remember that everyone is human first. Surround yourself with like-minded friends and family who provide a safe and supportive space as the election approaches.
- Talk to a Therapist- Amid widespread anxiety, mental health professionals can help individuals cope with election stress and uncover deeper issues, guiding them toward greater self-understanding and clarity, as Dr. Romanoff explains.
In conclusion, embracing self-reflection about your feelings toward the election is vital for maintaining your mental well-being. By identifying your triggers and understanding your capacity to engage with election-related material, you can navigate this period with greater awareness and flexibility. Remember that it’s perfectly okay to adjust your engagement based on what you need at any moment. Prioritizing your mental health not only empowers you to make informed choices but also helps you approach the election season with clarity and confidence.
面对压力时，要学会呼吸放松。– Learn to breathe and relax when facing stress.
Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-election-anxiety-8734554
