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Election time is here again and people are more stressed than ever about the outcome of the elections. Just simple words associated with the elections like “ballot” or “debate” may create anxiety. The American Psychological Association (APA) discovered that 52% of Americans said election time “is a very or somewhat significant” source of stress in their lives.
It is called Election Stress Disorder. It is a real thing, and the APA says it is affecting people on both sides of the political aisle equally. Just think about the constant media coverage, uncertainty about how to cast your vote – not to mention the incessant social media bickering about volatile issues.
Most people have a full schedule juggling their busy lives, with taking care of their families and homes, paying bills, getting kids to school, and dealing with work and financial stress. Anxiety about the elections, and how the outcome may effect them, can just be the cherry on top to take their stress to a whole new level.
Phil Stone, a Denver based mental health expert working at West Pines Behavioral Health suggests nine ways to help you survive Election Stress Disorder in the days to come.
- Take care of yourself. Remember to eat well, exercise and get enough sleep. Avoid election news if it is not a part of your normal routine.
- Surround yourself with positivity. Seek the company of positive people who are not consumed by the election. “Instead of hearing the latest updates about the polls, put on some relaxing relaxing piano music and watch the sunrise for a change,” says Stone.
- Go off the Grid. Avoid social media. People are finding stress triggers from friends that have strong opinions.
- Watch just enough TV to stay informed, 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re watching TV, mute the commercials. Spare yourself attack ads and fear tactics.
- Vote as soon as you can. Stone notes it’s the only part of the election you can control. “For someone with anxiety to avoid a task is counter-productive,” he says. “It will be empowering to complete your ballot.” He also recommends mailing in or dropping off your ballot because election centers can be anxiety-inducing.
- Find distractions and take a mental break. Watch animal videos on YouTube. If you can’t jet off to a beach paradise until this is all over, look at pictures of your favorite vacation spot.
- Avoid overly opinionated people. Politely avoid these people, change the topic, or leave the room.
- Run for the hills. Seriously. Escape to the mountains. Take a hike, go to the movies, or whatever it takes to fold your laptop, turn off the TV and get out of the house.
- Keep it all in perspective. Take care of yourself and your family. Chances are things are going to stay the same in the immediate future regardless of what’s decided.
If you are feeling stuck be sure to consider hypnosis to help you cope with stress. Next time I will offer some self hypnotic tools to help you move ahead after the elections. Until then have a beautiful day, you deserve it.
