I’m guessing most of you are ready for this election season to be over. Polarization is all around us. It leads to rifts amongst family members and friends. People wonder how anyone could vote for a candidate other than the one they are voting for.
I was recently out to dinner with a friend and her sister texted and asked if she was still voting for candidate X. When my friend said she was, her sister asked her if she was F-ing crazy. Something similar might be occurring in your family, with your friends, or at work. As a result our mental health is suffering.
Because of this election season you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other strong emotions. Most people will admit that this is a source of stress. However, there are things you can do to protect yourself as well as your mental health.
Ways to maintain mental health during election season
Limit media consumption
As we know it is all over the news and social media. Reduce the amount of time reading about or listening to this topic. It might help to only read the headlines of the newspaper as a way to stay informed, but not get drawn in too deep. You might need to turn off the news altogether, which is fine. The media likes to sensationalize things and it might be too overwhelming.
Set boundaries with friends on social media
You can stop following people on social media who have strong views for the other party. If things are bad enough you may have to block them. If you are experiencing strong emotions this election season, it would be best if you don’t post political content on social media, as you will get people who disagree with you.
Pick and choose your battles
If you are in a situation where politics is being discussed, whether it is for your chosen candidate or not, disengage. You don’t have to be part of the conversation. You can walk away, try to change the subject or ask that politics not be part of your discussion.
If you want to say something about your candidate or the other party, feel free to do so. If you are with a group who can have constructive conversations then it may be OK to engage. Just know that things might get heated. Ask yourself if it is worth it.
Fact check during election season
Are you listening to reputable news sources and people? It seems like both sides throw out things that may not be true, are partially true, or are taken out of context. Don’t get caught up in false narratives as they can cause strong emotions.
Engage in activity
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to decrease stress, anxiety and depression. Even doing so in small amounts is helpful. Most people don’t love exercising or even like it. However, they will say that they feel good after doing so. It’s a great way to shift your focus and mood.
If you don’t exercise, it’s never too late to start. Begin with 5 minutes and gradually increase.
Practice relaxation tools this election season
There are all sorts of things you can do to relax.
Meditation
Try meditating for 8 minutes. Set a timer, close your eyes and just focus on your breathing. Notice the air going into your lungs and out of your lungs. Feel yourself relax as time goes on.
Square breathing
Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out through your mouth for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. As you do each count, imagine one side of a square. Continue this for 5 minutes
478 breathing
Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds. Continue this pattern for 5 minutes.
Grounding exercises
Pay attention to this moment in time. Name 5 things that you can see. Recognize 4 things that you can touch. Tune in to 3 things you can hear. Notice 2 things you can smell. Finally, is there anything you can taste? Focusing on these things will help you stay calm and centered.
Engage in meaningful activities during election season
Since the election is out of your control, focus on activities that are in your control. Do you volunteer for a cause that is important to you? If not is there some place you would like to volunteer?
Is there a community meeting you can go to? Being a part of any group is good for your mental health. This gets your mind off of what is going on outside of your control. Doing so can make you feel empowered.
The stress of election season is impacting many people. You are not alone in your struggles. It often helps to talk to someone who is not emotionally involved, just to process your feelings. Feel free to give me a call at 713-304-6554 and we can find ways to help you reduce your stress or anxiety.
Take care,
Debbie
