In a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents said they were feeling anxious about the election. YEP. Three out of four. Let’s be honest… we could do without any more stressors this summer. Take one scoop of financial worry, add another of health concern, top with some child or eldercare, swirl in some global unrest and top it off with sprinkles of everyday micro-stressors… we’re already at our wit’s end. Political seasons take a toll on the mental health of Americans. And considering the state that we’re already in, we must learn how to manage the heightened negative emotions that come with the season. And here are three, actionable ways to do so.

THREE WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS DURING ELECTION SEASON

LIMIT YOUR MEDIA

We all know that negative news sells. Limit or turn off the television, which is usually hyper-biased and full of BREAKING STORIES that are written to get our cortisol pumping. Reading a newspaper (even if it’s delivered in your inbox) is the best option for your mental health, when up against television or social media. Designating a window of time, at a designated time of day (instead of micro-doses of stress through day-long social scrolling) gives your body and brain time to recover.

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

There are so many things that we feel passionately about. The fact is, not everyone has the same priorities, including those who may soon take power. This can make you feel that the world is spinning out of control. Shift your mind from focusing on the unknowns and worries, and towards appreciating your loved ones, taking action towards your personal goals, and volunteering for causes that are meaningful to you. Each of these things helps you to take back some control.

SEEK OUT CONNECTION

Instead of drawing assumptions from those angry social media spreaders, learn about opposing beliefs IRL. (in real life). Seek out that open-minded friend or family member who can calmly agree to disagree with you on a topic. This isn’t just anyone. It’s the friend that you know can stay grounded and non-emotional when stating their case and beliefs. By asking them open ended questions about their reasoning and beliefs, and then SIMPLY LISTENING, you will have a much greater understanding of where they are coming from.

Election season can significantly heighten stress levels, but with intentional strategies, we can navigate through it more effectively. By focusing on what we can control, managing our media, and actively listening to others, we can better manage the anxiety and emotional toll that this season is about to bring. Remember that taking care of our mental health during this time is crucial, not just for ourselves, but for the well-being of those around us.