With election season upon us, it’s no surprise that many people are feeling a heightened sense of stress. The constant stream of headlines, debates, and social media commentary can quickly lead to sensory overload. Finding ways to manage this stress is essential to maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Here are some helpful strategies to ease pre-election stress and restore balance:
1. Set Healthy Boundaries on News Consumption
Hey there, superstar! Just a friendly reminder: your presence is key, so feel it to the fullest! It's tempting to think you need to be in the know 24/7, but drowning in news can be a real energy-zapper. Why not schedule specific times to catch up on updates each day, and stick to those slots only? Get your news fix in the a.m. and post-dinner, then let the rest of the day be all about YOU. And hey, when the social media itch strikes, resist the scroll - your future self will thank you!
2. Engage in Mindful Breathing Exercises
When stress reaches its peak, there's no doubt that a simple breathing exercise can truly work wonders. Techniques such as box breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again) have the remarkable ability to swiftly alleviate anxiety and recenter your focus on the present moment. Dedicate just a few minutes each day to deep breathing, and witness your body effortlessly transition from tension to relaxation, leaving you with a profound sense of calm. Pro tip: When you feel like you're about to hit reply all, do a box breath before responding to that pesky work email.
3. Take Breaks to Connect with Nature
Nature has a remarkable ability to ground us. A short walk outside, a visit to a local park, or even sitting on your porch can help clear your mind. Research shows that spending time in natural environments can reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Aim for a few minutes outdoors each day, especially when election-related stress starts to build.
4. Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is a proven stress reliever and can be as simple as a brisk walk (you KNOW we couldn't resist this suggestion), a bike ride, or a quick home workout. Physical activity releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that naturally boost mood and relieve tension. While the temps are getting colder, it's the perfect time of year to throw on your favorite old hoodie and catch up on music or podcasts. Try to get at least 20-30 minutes of exercise on stressful days to help combat anxiety.
Pro Tip: Whether it's 15 minutes or 1 hour, cut the time in half and see how far you can walk in one direction before time is up.
5. Practice Digital Detox Techniques
Want to declutter your brain and reclaim your sanity? Well, it's time to give those screens a break! You don't have to go dark, but hey, cutting down on screen time is like giving your brain a spa day - especially before sleep. (Yes, guilty of late night scrolling too!) Shut off those notifications that bug you about everything under the sun, and resist the urge to dive into the digital world first thing in the a.m. Instead, why not kickstart your day with some zen vibes? Stretch it out, jot down your thoughts, or just be one with the moment. Your brain will thank you! When in doubt, create a Do Not Disturb schedule so that you're fully present at key moments throughout your day.
6. Focus on Gratitude
At the end of your day, jot down three things that made you feel grateful or think about stuff that made you happy. It totally helps you stay positive and deal with stress way better when you look at things from a different angle, you know? It also gives you the excuse to head to Target and check out the journal / notebook section. While I'm no math expert, a little bit of journaling can save you a lot of time in a therapist chair.
7. Limit Political Discussions
Having a chat about politics can be like a rollercoaster ride - thrilling at times, but also a total energy-sucker when things get too intense or start looping on repeat. If you feel like these talks are turning your brain into a mashed potato, it's totally cool to hit the pause button and steer the convo elsewhere or gracefully bow out. And hey, don't forget to clue in your peeps that you're all about that zen life. Peace out!
8. Engage in Hobbies and Creative Outlets
Need a break from the chaos? Well, it's time to ditch the doom and gloom of the news and dive headfirst into some good ol' fun! Whip up a storm in the kitchen, unleash your inner Picasso on a canvas, get your hands dirty in the garden, or simply cozy up with a good book. These delightful distractions are like a magic spell that can whisk you away from the stress and worries of the world. So go ahead, indulge in your hobbies and let your creative juices flow - it's your ticket to sanity and a big, hearty dose of happiness! (And there is always a sale at Michael's)
9. Practice Meditation or Mindfulness
So, meditation is pretty awesome for getting your mind to chill out and stay in the moment, which can totally help with feeling less anxious and more relaxed. You could give a meditation app a shot, like Calm or Headspace, or just try some basic mindfulness stuff, like concentrating on your breathing for a bit. If you stick with it regularly, you'll find that it becomes easier to handle stress and keep your cool when things get crazy. We also recommend checking out YouTube for easy and free meditation sessions.
10. Connect with Supportive People
When life gives you lemons, squeeze them into a conversation with your supportive squad for some instant relief! Don't hesitate to hit up your pals or fam who are also on the stress-fighting team. Just make sure to keep the chat light and breezy, discussing zen vibes and staying chill instead of diving deep into the stress pool.
And as a fellow Cincy Girl reminded me today, everything in moderation - enjoy that mocktail or glass of wine. Just mindfully drink slowly.
Incorporating one or some of these tips can help you create a mental “buffer” against pre-election stress and sensory overload. By practicing mindfulness, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, you can approach this season with more resilience and peace of mind. You go this!
Lastly, voting is a right that you have. Make your voice heard and show up at the polls on Tuesday, November 5th.
Voting Resources:
Check your voting registration: https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx
View what's on the ballot: https://www.vote411.org/ballot
Find your polling location: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/
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