Coping with Election Anxiety
When I was young, my girlfriends at sleepovers used to try to scare each other by telling tales of Bloody Mary. Stories of going into the bathroom, spinning around 3 times and whispering the name into the mirror. I used to lay awake terrified and filled with anxiety. Nowadays, the anxiety and fright within is caused by this year’s presidential election. November 3rd is the new Bloody Mary.
I keep finding myself laying awake at night wondering what’s going to happen. Wondering what’s lurking around the corner for America. Wondering, hoping, and praying to the presidential gods! The thing is, I know I’m not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, roughly 70% of adults are experiencing a heightened form of anxiety due to this year’s election.
Here are some tips on coping with election anxiety to help us all get through the next couple of days.
Unplug and set boundaries.
There is no doubt that we should stay informed on the current events of our nation. But it’s more important to be aware of our own state of mind. We can’t put our all into our country or other matters, if there is nothing in us to put out. What are you feeding your mind? What are you unintentionally consuming? What are you plugged into? Social media during any other year, month, and time is already a trigger for anxiety. Throw in a pandemic, and this year’s 2020 election into the bowl of chaos and we have a mental breakdown waiting to happen. It’s crucial to be able to unplug for a bit. Take some time away from popups craving your attention, and from mindlessly scrolling. In lieu, set some boundaries. Try setting a designated time for catching up on what Is happening and when you should be scrolling through the masses of news bars. Losing sleep and your peace of mind isn’t worth it.
For me, having set times throughout my week where I allow myself to indulge in the current affairs revolving around the election, has greatly benefited my peace of mind.
Start a new activity.
Any activity you’ve been interested in but never really got around to doing? Maybe now is the time to dabble in a new hobby or activity. I find that going for runs and learning more about skin care has really helped me to destress. These activities have allowed my mind, body, and soul to feel a bit more soothed. My husband and I have been going on road trips and hikes together as well. Although this wasn’t planned for election season, it still helps my sanity and anxiety. Whether you do something small like clean your home, learn how to jump rope, begin painting, or something a bit bigger such as take a nature road trip, and plan household game nights, starting a new activity can help ease the mind a bit.
Volunteer.
If you feel as though there has to be something you can do to help the future of America. Maybe you aren’t old enough to vote or you want to feel like you really did give it your all and pushed for a better America. Volunteering to help campaign, and assisting voting centers on Election Day are suitable options. There are centers in many cities searching for volunteers to make phone calls from their homes, urging people to vote. If that feels a bit too pushy and enhances anxiety levels, maybe it’s best to call family and friends to discuss the election and ensure that they’re placing their votes. Everything counts whether it’s big or small.
Find a therapist.
As a nation, we’re dealing with a lot right now. A global pandemic, systematic racism, police brutality, and a contentious presidential election… Just to name a few. If you are feeling anxiety beyond measures and it is effecting your everyday livelihood, it’s ideal to find a therapist to help with this matter. Due to the pandemic, many therapists are now working solely online. Making it possible to have a therapy session from the comfort of your home. You may have a therapy phone call session or video chat session.
It’s important to know that you’re not alone. Your health matters. Do whatever you feel is best to do in order to push pass these trying times. Set social boundaries, start a new hobby, get involved, or seek professional help if you need too.
