How to Cope with Election Season Stress
Election season can bring a unique mix of emotions: hope, excitement, frustration, and, often, an overwhelming sense of stress. In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it’s easy to feel like the weight of every election is sitting squarely on your shoulders. With so much at stake and a constant stream of news and opinions, election season stress can take a toll on your mental health. At Mile High Psychiatry, we understand the challenges of navigating this period and are here to offer practical tips to help you manage election-related stress in a healthy, balanced way.
Why Election Season is So Stressful
It’s common to feel a sense of responsibility and concern during election season, especially when the issues at hand feel deeply personal. Here are some reasons why election season can be particularly stressful:
- Constant News Cycle: With 24/7 news and social media updates, it’s easy to get caught up in a never-ending loop of election coverage.
- Social Tensions: Elections often bring out differing opinions, which can lead to conflicts within families, friends, and workplaces. Navigating these relationships during election season can be challenging.
- Uncertainty: Not knowing the outcome of the election, and how it might impact your life, can create a heightened sense of worry and fear.
- Personal Investment: When you care deeply about certain issues, election season can feel like a test of those values, and every setback or controversy can feel like a personal blow.
These factors can make it hard to stay calm and centered, but with some mindful strategies, you can better cope with the stress of election season.
Tips for Managing Election Season Stress
Limit Your News Consumption
The constant barrage of election news can quickly lead to information overload. While it’s important to stay informed, too much exposure to news — especially negative or sensationalized coverage — can fuel anxiety.
How to Do It
- Set Boundaries: Decide how much time you’ll spend on news each day. Limit it to specific times, such as 30 minutes in the morning and evening, rather than scrolling all day.
- Choose Reputable Sources: Stick to trusted news outlets to avoid misinformation, which can increase stress and confusion.
- Take Breaks: Give yourself permission to take a day off from the news entirely. The world won’t change overnight, and your mental health is important.
Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress and staying grounded. By focusing on the present moment and practicing mindful breathing, you can reduce your body’s stress response and feel more centered.
How to Practice Mindfulness
- Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly. Repeat this for a few minutes to calm your mind and body.
- Body Scan: Start at the top of your head and work your way down, noticing any areas of tension. This helps bring you back to the present moment.
- Limit Rumination: When you find yourself spiraling with worries about the future, gently remind yourself to come back to the here and now.
Set Boundaries with Social Media
Social media can be a breeding ground for election-related stress, as it’s often full of heated debates, misinformation, and intense opinions. Setting boundaries with social media can help you reduce stress and prevent overwhelm.
Tips for Social Media Boundaries
- Mute or Unfollow: If certain accounts or people consistently stress you out, don’t hesitate to mute or unfollow them.
- Limit Your Time: Set a daily time limit for social media use and stick to it.
- Engage Thoughtfully: Avoid getting involved in arguments or debates that will only leave you feeling more anxious. Instead, engage positively and seek out supportive communities.
Focus on What You Can Control
It’s easy to feel powerless during election season, especially when the stakes are high. Focusing on what you can control — rather than what’s outside of your influence — can help you feel more empowered.
Things You Can Control
- Your Vote: One of the most important things you can do is vote! It’s a tangible way to contribute to the process. Click here to register to vote in your state.
- Your Actions: Get involved in ways that feel meaningful to you, such as volunteering, donating, or supporting causes you believe in.
- Your Mindset: Practice reframing negative thoughts and remind yourself that while the election is important, it’s just one part of your life.
Prioritize Self-care
During stressful times, it’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. However, taking care of yourself is crucial for managing stress and maintaining your mental health.
Self-care Ideas
- Exercise: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Even a short walk or a few minutes of stretching can help.
- Get Enough Sleep: Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down.
- Engage in Hobbies: Whether it’s reading, cooking, gardening, or crafting, spending time on activities you enjoy can be a welcome distraction and stress reliever.
Connect with Others
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends or family members who understand. Talking through your feelings can provide relief and a sense of solidarity. Just remember to set boundaries with loved ones if election-related discussions become too intense or divisive.
Tips for Meaningful Connection
- Find Like-minded Support: Talk to friends or join a community group that shares similar views or goals. Knowing you’re not alone can ease anxiety.
- Avoid Conflict: If certain relationships are strained due to differing opinions, consider setting boundaries around election discussions to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Be Open and Honest: Let others know if you’re feeling overwhelmed and would appreciate a break from political conversations.
Seek Professional Help
If election season stress is significantly impacting your life, it might be time to seek professional support. A mental health provider can help you explore ways to cope with stress, manage anxiety, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. Therapy can provide you with personalized tools and techniques to address your unique challenges, helping you stay grounded during difficult times.
How Mile High Psychiatry Can Help
At Mile High Psychiatry, we’re here to support you through challenging periods, including the stress of election season. Our team of compassionate mental health providers can work with you to develop coping strategies, manage anxiety, and find balance amidst the chaos. We offer a range of services, including individual therapy and stress management, to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
Take Charge of Your Mental Health This Election Season
Election season can be a difficult time, but with the right tools and support, you can manage the stress and protect your mental health. At Mile High Psychiatry, we’re here to help you stay calm, focused, and centered, no matter what the headlines say. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Together, we can help you find peace and resilience, even in the most uncertain of times.
Click here to request an appointment and learn how we can help you cope with election season stress and beyond. Let’s work together to help you feel empowered, grounded, and ready to face whatever comes next.
