We’re in the middle of an election year, and while that can be exciting, it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and even a little scary. There’s no question that the political climate in our country (and the world) feels a bit turbulent these days.
As we near the November presidential election, we’ve seen a variety of unprecedented issues adding more fuel to an already stressful fire. There was an assassination attempt on a former president and current candidate. The sitting president stepped down from seeking re-election, offering a new nominee to the Democratic party with just months to go.
In the middle of all of these extreme changes, it’s clear that there is contention between some Americans when it comes to policies, belief systems, and personalities.
Needless to say, this is an especially stressful political season. So, what can you do to navigate that stress and keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed as elections draw near?
Stay Informed, Not Saturated
It’s important to educate yourself on what’s going on in the political world. Get your news from trusted, unbiased sources whenever possible, and make sure you know where candidates stand on the issues that are important to you.
Unfortunately, it’s far too easy today to feel like you’re drowning in information. It can be difficult to determine how much of it is true and what’s being made up or “tilted” in a specific way to appease a certain audience. Try to avoid getting your information from social media, and fact-check things you’re unsure about. Most importantly, don’t let political news consume you. While you don’t need to hide from it, letting it take up too much space in your daily thought process can contribute to a lot of stress and confusion.
Pick Your Battles
It’s important to stay strong in your values, beliefs, and opinions. But there’s a good chance someone in your inner circle is going to think differently. While it’s okay to “debate” those individuals and have healthy conversations, don’t let those moments become contentious arguments.
You don’t have to agree with everyone (or vice versa!) when it comes to political policies. Engaging in arguments is likely to increase your stress levels and make you feel worse. Additionally, try to stay away from social media arguments about politics. It’s very unlikely you’re going to change someone’s mind, especially behind a computer screen.
Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is always important. But, when the world around you feels like it’s spinning out of control, it’s even more essential to take care of yourself each day.
Self-care doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. It’s about finding small ways to prioritize your well-being and incorporating them into your routine.
Things like mindfulness, meditation, and even journaling can help you take care of your mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while keeping you grounded in the moment. Daily exercise and eating healthy can boost your physical well-being, but they’re also great for stress reduction. Try a few different things until you find what makes you most comfortable.
Talk to Someone
You might feel like you have no one to talk to in this turbulent political climate. If you’re worried about the future or the pressure surrounding the upcoming election have you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. You also don’t have to handle those feelings on your own.
While talking to your friends and family can help, working with a mental health professional is a great way to better understand the source of your stress while learning effective strategies to overcome it. Don’t let this political season cause anxiety to take over. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment for anxiety counseling.