Are You Feeling Election Stress? Here’s How to Take Back Control.
How are you feeling right now? Are you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s next? The buildup, the tension, the unknown—it’s enough to make anyone feel uneasy. Maybe you’re asking yourself, “What if it doesn’t go the way I hope?” or even, “What if things get worse?” The anxiety can feel all-consuming, but let’s pause for a moment.
Taking Control
What if you do not have control over the results? And let’s be honest—you do Not. But you sure have full control over something powerful: your own feelings, your reactions, and the way you handle and care for yourself through this time.
Why Election Stress Is So Personal
When we’re invested in something as big as an election, our emotions can feel amplified. Election outcomes feel personal, and they can feel as if they’re a reflection of our values and dreams. It’s natural to feel stressed, anxious, or even overwhelmed.
Let me share a quick story. I remember speaking with a client who had severe election-related anxiety during a previous campaign. She felt overwhelmed as if the stakes of every news story or debate were personally on her shoulders. Every post she scrolled through, every conversation she overheard, seemed to pull her deeper into worry. Her anxiety would spike, even in the middle of the night. She couldn’t sleep, felt irritable, and, worst of all, believed she was alone in this stress.
Together, we worked on grounding techniques. She started by identifying what she could control and setting healthy limits for what she exposed herself to each day. For example, she decided to limit her news consumption to 15 minutes a day and unfollowed accounts that added to her stress. She also practiced a 4-7-8 breathing exercise anytime her anxiety began to spike—a practice proven to calm the mind and body quickly. Over time, she felt less weighed down, and her anxiety became more manageable.
Tips to Soothe Election Stress and Anxiety
- Ground Yourself in the Present Moment
Anxiety lives in the “what-ifs” of the future. Instead, take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply and bring yourself back to the present. Inhale peace, exhale stress. Remind yourself that, in this moment, you are okay. - Limit Media Consumption
Scrolling endlessly or watching the news 24/7 only feeds the anxiety monster. Try setting boundaries—check the news at designated times and avoid it right before bed. You deserve a mental break. - Focus on What You Can Control
You can control your actions, your self-care, and your environment. Spend time doing things that bring you peace, joy, and a sense of calm, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, practicing mindfulness, or even trying out a relaxing audio recording (like Relax & Unwind, which I’ve shared to help ease anxiety). - Release Your Need for Perfection or Certainty
Life, and especially politics, doesn’t often give us clear answers or perfect outcomes. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment, and then release them. - Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Yes, even in times of tension, you deserve rest. Acknowledge the stress you’re feeling, but don’t let it take away from your need to recharge. Resting is not ignoring the world—it’s preparing yourself to face it with renewed strength.
For more insights on managing stress, especially in professional settings, consult our post on workplace anxiety and mental health for women. I talk about election stress in the Washington Post article, How to Avoid or Cope with Election Day.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many people feel this pressure, this sense of uncertainty. And while we can’t control the outcome of an election, we can control how we care for ourselves through it.
If you’re looking for more personalized support, reach out. There are techniques and tools that can help ease the weight of this season, and together, we can work to find some calm amid the noise.
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