Election Anxiety Is Real And You Are Not Alone
Have you been noticing a significant increase in your stress levels since or because of the election? If so, you are absolutely not alone. About 52% of other Americans are reporting the exact same thing right now. Post election anxiety and stress is not commonly spoken of, but in itself, is not uncommon.
Overcoming The Unknown
There is no doubt that 2020 has been a trialing year in many ways. No matter what side of the line you stand on, there is a certain degree of unknown when it comes to the future. And it can be very confusing to understand amidst the chaos surrounding it.
Election anxiety and post election anxiety can take potentially heavy tolls on social identity and feelings of acceptance, especially if you support the losing party. This year has been particularly exceptional with brutally heightened political tensions that have overflowed into every community.
It can also cause tears in personal relationships, with one side feeling helpless and the other feeling less than empathetic and even worse, joyful.
Election time leaves many of us feeling fearful.
Will the new president come through with their promises? Am I doomed with the new taxes? Will education be suitable for my children in another 4 years?
The What-ifs can go on forever.
So, today let us walk into the unknown and come out on the other side better for having done so.
3 Practices To Reduce Post Election Anxiety
The best ways to make it through the unknown?….
- Blocking Time
- Cut out Doom Scrolling
- Informational Balance
Block Time For Yourself
Ensure that you are blocking time to take care of yourself. This can be in the morning or in the evening. It really doesn’t matter when. The important thing is that you are devoting time to practice some self care.
The word self care varies from person to person. The most important thing to consider, is that whatever you do it is something that is good for you and feels good to you.
You can make time to do a face mask or take a bath. You might play an instrument, go sight seeing, or read. It can be anything.
It is imperative to schedule in time for yourself; To let all your thoughts go, even if only for a moment. It will give your mind rest and, in turn, your body will release built up tensions.
No Doom Scrolling
If you have never heard this term before, essentially what it means is that you are on social media, following, and focusing on very negative content.
Consider this….You become what you think about most of the time.
If you are focusing on negative content, your thoughts are going to become more negative as well. This is very important to acknowledge.
It is crucial that you stop doing this. Ruminating can easily lead to an unhealthy obsession.
Instead, put that time into self care or perhaps try following more positive accounts, such as Wellness Today or Pinterest.
Balance your intake of information
Expose yourself to enough information to stay informed but don’t over do it.
You can take in more info via reading or watching short clips as compared to watching television or long segments. Limit your time and use it wisely.
As it may seem tough, you must not be glued to the news. You need to NOT watch social media constantly or get consistent updates reminding you to look. If it is not required for your job, turn it off for a while.
Take in 15 to 20 minutes per day max. That is all the time you really need to gather the required information that keeps you in the know.
Communication and Support Systems
Being able to communicate freely is important in healing and maintaining mental health. We encourage you to start here…..
Leave us a comment below and tell us… “What are you doing to reduce your post election anxiety?” We know the people of Pittsburgh are creative, so we can’t wait to hear from you.
Subscribe to our channels to continue receiving upbeat and informative content from your family at Makin Wellness. And….
Until next time please do your best to stay mindful and love yourself.
Election anxiety | How to overcome the unknown - Makin Wellness
Are you noticing an increase in stress levels after the election? If so, you are not alone. About 52% of Americans are reporting post election anxiety.
Election anxiety | How to overcome the unknown – Makin Wellness
Are you noticing an increase in stress levels after the election? If so, you are not alone. About 52% of Americans are reporting post election anxiety.
Election anxiety | How to overcome the unknown – Makin Wellness
Are you noticing an increase in stress levels after the election? If so, you are not alone. About 52% of Americans are reporting post election anxiety.
