5 Ways to Manage Election Stress

Election season can be a stressful time for many Americans. With heightened emotions and constant news updates, it’s important to find ways to manage stress and maintain mental well-being.

1. Understand Your Uncertainty Uncertainty can lead to anxiety. Psychologist Lynn Bufka from the American Psychological Association suggests that we often imagine worst-case scenarios when we don’t know what will happen. Asking yourself questions like, “How likely is that worst-case scenario?” and focusing on what you can control can help reduce stress.

2. Control What You Consume Taking a break from political news can be beneficial. Psychologist Krystal Lewis from the National Institute of Mental Health recommends a digital detox. This might involve turning off the TV or logging out of social media to avoid constant updates and negative news.

3. Do What Is Meaningful Engaging in meaningful activities can improve your well-being. Bufka advises connecting with others and contributing to causes you care about. Simple acts like helping a neighbor or cleaning up your community can make a big difference.

4. Find Healthy Ways to Cope Instead of worrying, find activities that bring you joy and keep you present. Bufka highlights the importance of physical activity in managing stress. Activities like walking, gardening, or playing sports can help release stress and make you feel more grounded.

5. Seek Professional Help if Needed If your feelings of stress or anxiety become too intense or last too long, it may be time to seek help. Both Lewis and Bufka emphasize the importance of reaching out for support, especially for those with preexisting mental health conditions.

Managing stress during election season is crucial for mental health. By understanding uncertainty, controlling your media consumption, engaging in meaningful activities, finding healthy coping mechanisms, and seeking help when needed, you can navigate this challenging time more effectively.

References

• National Institute of Mental Health
• American Psychological Association