5 Steps to Managing Election Anxiety

This is for all my friends out there who are stewing in worry about the election. I see you and I get it. Let’s get you some support.

(NOTE: This isn’t designed to open up a discussion on who you’re voting for and why. It’s about your feelings. Your experience. Your health. I am focused on you, not your vote.) 

Anxiety is a forward-facing emotion. It is centered on the “what if” instead of the “what is.” If we were focused more on “what is” we would feel more peace. But given this election, feeling anxious is founded. We wouldn’t feel it if we didn’t care, so you can reframe it as a sign that you are invested. All uncertainty has a way of making us nervous. Our brains don’t like what we perceive to be lurking danger.

Here are five tips, if you’re feeling particularly anxious, that can help you manage the stress of the season. I often teach these tips in any time of great uncertainty. I hope they are helpful to you.

1. Recognize and process what you’re feeling

Feelings are vibrations in our bodies - they are messages we are meant to pay attention to. And yet - we will do ANYTHING to avoid the discomfort of them. We’ll over eat, scroll, drink, shop, over work, buffer and distract from the pain of an uncomfortable vibration. 

What to do: Tune in. Notice. Are the vibrations heavy? Dark? Tight? Describe them - don’t look away. Pull up a chair to this feeling, like a friend in pain. By doing this, you are practicing emotional literacy, an important form of self-awareness. You don’t have to dwell, just acknowledge, experience and understand.

2. Protect your heart (and your head)

We just aren't built for the amount of information that can come at us nonstop thanks to technology. On average, people scroll the height of the Statue of Liberty every day in Instagram images. That’s a lot for our brains to process! 

What to do: Choose to protect what information and images you consume. Sometimes we need to unplug, partially or fully, in order to show up and function. See where the balance lies in “being informed” while also protecting your mental health. 
 

3. Connect, Meaningfully

We are living in a divided and disconnected time. Loneliness is felt by most people, even those living with their families. As social beings, it is biologically crucial that we connect to each other in meaningful ways. We need to feel a sense of belonging, and that we matter to others.

What to do: Reach out. Put your phones down and ask questions. Get together with friends. Engage in conversation about things that matter to you (doesn’t have to be the election). Host a potluck. Organize a football game in the yard. Find ways to feel good among good company. I’m organizing a karaoke night to sing off some steam. Connecting is crucial. And PS: it's always a good idea to text someone you love just to say “thinking of you and sending my love.” The world needs more love right now and less division.

4. Self-Care a Little Extra

When we are focused on the care of others (as women are socially conditioned to do), we de-prioritize taking care of ourselves. Here’s your reminder to focus on your wellbeing.

What to do: Nap. Hydrate. Meditate. Breathe. Move. Boundary. Get in nature. Cry. Let go of perfection. Whatever your body and mind are needing, lean into that. Be your best advocate for your wellness.

5. Take Action

Remember, anxiety comes from the ‘what if’ (forward thinking) which can create a strong sense of helplessness and overwhelm. You may feel like you have no control but remind yourself what you can control: your thoughts, feelings and actions.

What to do: If you are able, do something. Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. Show support. And of course, vote. One of the best ways to stop feeling helpless is by doing something helpful.

Election day will come and go. We cannot control what happens on that day. But we can control how we think about it. We can control our own actions and responses. We can decide how we show up before and after it. 

For me, I’ve decided to believe that there are millions of good people working hard in this country to make good things happen. I have contributed by donating and volunteering. And no matter what happens, I will remind myself that hope is always available for me to believe.