As the election season approaches, it’s completely understandable to feel a wave of stress or anxiety. The news cycles, debates, social media commentary, and even conversations with loved ones can be overwhelming. Many people feel on edge during this time—I certainly have!
At Shifting Tides, we emphasize the importance of acknowledging and accepting how you feel. Election stress is real AF, and it’s okay to admit that it’s affecting you. Ignoring these feelings can lead to even more tension and frustration. The good news is, there are ways to manage these feelings and find a sense of calm amid the chaos.
Understanding Election Stress
Election cycles bring up many emotions: uncertainty about the future, frustration, fear, or even anger. These emotions can be heightened by the constant exposure to negative news and social media discussions. Many of my clients feel caught in what’s often referred to as “doomscrolling”—endlessly scrolling through negative or fear-inducing content without realizing the toll it’s taking on their mental health.
Being informed is important, but overconsuming distressing content can exacerbate feelings of helplessness or anxiety. If you’ve found yourself checking your phone more than usual or getting pulled into heated political conversations, you might be experiencing election stress. And that’s okay. It’s a natural response to an uncertain environment.
Tips to Self-Soothe and Manage Election Stress
Limit Your Media Exposure While it’s tempting to stay updated minute by minute, try setting boundaries for how much news or social media you consume. Checking in once or twice a day can help you stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. If you find yourself doomscrolling, gently remind yourself to take a break. Consider unfollowing or muting accounts that elevate your anxiety during this time. Also, there are screentime limits you can implement on your phone – maybe consider activating that feature.
Engage in Self-Care Prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s a walk in nature, cooking your favorite meal, or reading a book, make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. These small acts of care can have a huge impact on your ability to cope with stressful events.
Talk It Out Election stress can feel isolating, especially if you’re trying to carry it alone. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist to share your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes just talking about what’s on your mind can offer relief and perspective.
Shift Your Focus to What You Can Control One of the biggest contributors to stress during elections is the feeling of helplessness. While you can’t control the outcome of the election, you can take small actions that make a difference—whether it’s voting, volunteering for a cause you believe in, or participating in community efforts. Focusing on what you can control helps redirect anxiety into meaningful action.
Give Yourself Permission to Step Away It’s okay to take a break from political discussions, especially if they’re draining your energy. You don’t have to engage in every conversation or debate. Setting boundaries with yourself and others is an act of self-compassion, and it’s crucial during stressful times. Also, it doesn’t make you a less politically involved person – if anything, you’re better equipped to fight for things you believe in when you take care of yourself.
Moving Forward with Compassion
Remember that stress during election time is not only common but entirely understandable. You’re allowed to feel the way you do, and you’re also allowed to take care of yourself. Try to extend compassion toward yourself during this period. If you notice that the stress is becoming too much to handle, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Whether through therapy, mindfulness, or leaning on loved ones, there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.
At Shifting Tides Therapy, I offer a space where you can process these feelings, learn self-soothing techniques, and find ways to cope with the uncertainties surrounding the election. You deserve to feel grounded, even during stressful periods. Let’s work together to prioritize your mental well-being.
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