The 2024 election season has been intense to say the least. The text messages, the relentless stream of campaign ads, headlines, social media posts, street signs, and reminders about the upcoming vote on November 5 feel overwhelming.
And, unavoidable if we’re being honest.
For those who experience “election anxiety,” these feelings can become intense. “Election anxiety”, or “election-related stress” is REAL. You’re not crazy. There are people all over the world experiencing it during the 2024 election. Loss of sleep, change in appetite, short temper, overwhelm. My guess is that you’ve sensed some election anxiety yourself, either now, or in the past.
The stress hormones are doing what they do best.
The stress and nervousness can be caused by overstimulation, and from the unknown. Unfortunately, no one knows exactly how the election will turn out, and considering the weight of issues included on the ballot, not knowing the outcome can be scary.
The constant bombardment of political news, discussions, and retaliations feels suffocating at times. In settings where we usually go to unwind, relax, or recharge, like the gym, it’s hard to avoid the intense news updates. Staying in a motivated state of mind gets a little bit harder when you have blaring news headlines in front of you.
It’s been months since i’ve been able to do my daily walk on the treadmill without there being multiple TV screens in front of me broadcasting bad vibes. The 2024 election headlines are almost always negative, and aggressive.
Yeah, ummm…that’s not really the vibe I’m going for when I leave for the gym.
And, it’s not just the volume of information, but the weight of it all, right? There are debates over crucial issues like the economy, healthcare, social policies. And then, there are debates about the debates about the debates.
It’s never ending.
Maybe it’ll make you feel better to know that it’s normal to feel uneasy about the “unknown”, and you’re not the only one. The unpredictability of election outcomes and the potential ripple effects that they’ll have can leave anyone feeling anxious. But remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way, and there are ways to manage these worries in a healthy way.
How to Cope With Election Anxiety
Focus on What You Can Control
Concentrate on actionable steps you can take, like staying informed, voting, or even supporting your community, rather than stressing over uncontrollable outcomes.
Unplug and Digital Detox
Step away from screens and social media to give your mind a break from the continuous flow of political content.
Stay Open-Minded
Recognize that everyone has unique perspectives and experiences shaping their views. This can help reduce tension when engaging with others with differing opinions.
Practice Grounding Techniques
Try grounding exercises, such as deep breathing or getting outside into nature to help stay calm and present when anxiety feels overwhelming.
Filter Out Promotional Content
Limit exposure to relentless ads and unsolicited messages whenever possible. This can reduce stress.
Avoid Arguments Over Personal Views
Political discussions can become heated, so try not to engage in confrontational exchanges to protect your peace of mind.
Limit News Consumption
Watching the news in moderation can prevent overwhelm and give you space to process information at your own pace.
Use Reputable Sources Only
Rely on credible sources and trust your judgment to make decisions that feel right for you, your family, and society as a whole.
Increase Self-Care
Election season can be exhausting; ramp up self-care routines to counterbalance the heightened stress.
Identify Triggers and Self-Soothe
Notice specific triggers that cause election-related stress and use self-soothing activities, like meditation or a relaxing hobby, to bring yourself back to calm.Vote Authentically
Don’t let outside pressure influence your vote. Staying true to your core beliefs can lessen the weight of election stress.
