Whether you’re into politics or not, ignoring the election hype is hard. In an annual poll, nearly 3 in 4 U.S. adults felt anxious about the presidential election. Add to that other major sources of stress—current events, the economy, and gun violence—and Americans are feeling more anxious than ever.
Stress is a fact of life. But when it gets to be too much, it can feel overwhelming. So, what can you do about it? Here are a few ways to cope.
Recognize what you’re feeling.
Uncertainty is often at the root of stress and anxiety. We sometimes imagine worst-case scenarios when we don’t know what will happen. From there, it can spiral into different feelings: fear, anger, and even sadness. Whatever you’re feeling, know that your feelings are valid.
Find a healthy amount of awareness (for you).
One reason stress about politics is so overwhelming these days is its sheer volume. From news media to social media, it’s hard to avoid. But even if you can’t shut it out entirely, you are in charge of how much you read, watch, or listen to.
Before you start scrolling, ask yourself how it makes you feel. Do you feel informed and empowered? Or hopeless and stressed out? Consider setting a limit on how long you spend on certain topics. Then, put your phone away and take a break.
Find a way to channel your energy.
Offer to drive people to the polls. Volunteer for a cause you care about. Remember that even though elections matter a lot, they’re not the only thing. Regardless of the outcome, life will go on. You can put that energy toward something positive, whether you’re excited or frustrated.
Spend time on other things you enjoy.
Try not to let it consume you, no matter what’s in the news. Spend time with friends or family. Pull weeds. Go for a walk or do another exercise you enjoy. Watch a just-for-fun movie. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it gives your brain a break from politics or other stressful news events.
Ask for help if you need it.
If you are struggling with mental health symptoms that are getting in the way of living your life, treatment can help. Freespira is a convenient home-based treatment for people with anxiety attacks or trauma symptoms.
To find out if Freespira is right for you, simply answer some questions about your symptoms and how they affect you. If you decide to start, Freespira will ship you everything you need to complete the treatment in just 4 weeks. See if Freespira is right for you.
