Election Season: Strategies to Reduce Stress
Election season can be a tense period, filled with anxiety, disagreement, and intolerance. It can be overwhelming. During election season, opinions and emotions can intensify. With political polarization and the constant bombardment of information, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. In addition, the anticipation of voting day and uncertainty about the future of the state or country can generate a considerable level of stress.
The Reality of Election Stress
Stress is a natural response to uncertainty. As the election approaches, it's normal to feel anxious about who will win and how this will affect society as a whole. The lack of control over the results and the changes that may come also contribute to this feeling of unease.
What is stress?
Stress is a natural response of the body to challenging or threatening situations. During elections, factors such as uncertainty, social pressure, and the intensity of political debate can trigger this response. It's important to recognize how stress can have an impact on both our emotional and physical health, and it can influence our behaviors.
Some examples of the effects of stress and how it can impact different aspects of our lives:
Physically
Headache
Muscle tension
Fatigue
digestive problems
Sleep problems
Emotionally:
Anxiety
Irritability
Sadness
Feeling of overload
Cognitively:
Difficulty concentrating
Unclear decision-making
Memory is affected.
Accepting Emotions
It's completely valid to feel a mix of emotions during this election season, from hope to fear. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step to managing them effectively. The key is to focus our attention on what we can control at the moment.
Strategies for Managing Stress During This Election Season
1. Limit News Consumption
Being informed and watching the news is not bad, but too much information can be overwhelming. Rather, better: establish a specific time to review the news and avoid being constantly exposed to electoral information. Consider following only reliable and balanced sources.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Spend a few minutes a day on meditation or breathing exercises. Mindfulness can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Meditation apps can be helpful to get you started. Examples of some applications are:
Calm
Stop, Breathe & Think
Insight Timer
Headspace
Siente
Intimind
Deep Meditate
3. Exercise regularly
It is proven by many studies that physical activity is an excellent way to release tension. It doesn't have to be a strong weightlifting exercise, but you can consider hiking, yoga, or any sport you enjoy. Exercise releases endorphins, which improves mood.
4. Connect with Others
Sharing our thoughts and venting our emotions can ease the emotional burden and provide new perspectives. Talk about your concerns with friends or family. Social connection is vital for well-being.
5. Set boundaries on social media
Social networks have become our greatest source of information and interaction. However, social media can intensify stress. Consider temporarily disconnecting or only following sources that are reassuring to you. Turning off notifications can help reduce anxiety.
6. Organize Your Time
Set priorities and try to plan your daily activities. Having a clear schedule helps us feel more in control. You can use a to-do list to stay focused.
7. Make Time for Your Passions
Dedicating time to those activities that we are passionate about and that give us pleasure is a form of self-care. It's important to find time for activities you enjoy, whether it's a sport, reading, painting, or listening to music. These distractions can be a great form of relaxation and will allow you to disconnect from daily stress.
8. Maintain Adequate Sleep
Sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise. Sleeping well improves brain performance, mood, and health. Make sure you get enough sleep. A good night's sleep is critical to managing stress and maintaining mental clarity. Establishing a sleep routine can improve your rest.
9. Consider Professional Help
If you feel that stress becomes overwhelming, do not hesitate to seek the support of a professional. Therapy can provide tools to cope with anxiety and improve your emotional well-being..
Conclusion
Election season can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can reduce stress and maintain a positive outlook. Don't forget to prioritize your well-being and remember that, regardless of the outcome, the most important thing is your mental health. Being informed is important, but so is your peace of mind.
If you are wanting to reduce your stress associated with the upcoming election and would like more help, one of our therapists at Sunrise Counseling can help.
1. Contact Sunrise Counseling
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of other mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: