How to Handle Election Anxiety
Calls. Texts. Ads. Polls. TikToks. Newspapers. Billboards. Lawn signs. Pretty much wherever you look, you’ll find election news staring back at you. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, seven out of 10 Americans say “the future of the nation” is causing them serious stress. We can’t control the election, but we can control how we manage our election fatigue. So take a deep breath and read on for some tips on how to calm those quadrennial jitters.
1. Vote
If you’re feeling stressed about the upcoming election — national, state, and/or local, in or outside of the U.S. — the obvious first step, for those eligible, is to exercise your right to vote. Unsure whether or not you’re registered to vote? You can check your status here and find information on how, where, and when to vote here.
2. Vote… down the ballot!!
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in national politics that you overlook what’s happening in your own backyard. Elections and ballot questions at the state and local impact can have a huge impact on day-to-day life in the community you call home. Sometimes thinking big means thinking small!
3. Put down your phone
Drop it! No ifs, ands, or buts. Turn off your notifications. Delete the apps. It’s important to be informed, but if the barrage of ads and arguments is leaving you feeling drained or defeated, it’s okay to unplug, rest, and regroup. Stop the doomscrolling and protect your peace.
4. Get involved
Just because the news is knocking you out doesn’t mean you have to sit back. If you’re feeling restless, it’s not too late to get involved. You can phone bank, text bank, or knock on some doors for a cause or a candidate you believe in. You can attend rallies or protests. Remember, there’s more than just one way to make your voice heard.
5. Make a plan for Election Day
If your stress is making it difficult to function in the days leading up to the election, it might help to make a game plan for the day of. For some people, distraction is the way to go. Go for a walk. Call a friend. Take a nap. Meditate. If, in spite of it all, watching the returns is your jam, watch them with people you love. At the end of the day, what we’ve got is each other. Don’t forget.