Election Day is less than a week away, and the anxiety surrounding it is palpable. Is anyone else feeling on edge about what’s to come? Although I know a thing or two about managing stress and anxiety, I’ll admit I had a moment this past weekend. I felt deeply shaken by political comments made by someone I trust—comments that reflected a surprising and unexpected ideology. Despite practicing meditation and mindfulness regularly, I found my mind replaying the incident, each time bringing on a visceral response.
To feel anxious at times is to be human. So, how can we manage stress and anxiety—not just leading up to November 5, but in the days and weeks to come, regardless of the outcome?
1. Limit Media Consumption
Staying updated on current events and the latest polls can feel helpful, offering a sense of control—but in reality, it’s often a false sense of control. To truly manage anxiety, it’s more effective to stay connected with ourselves: tuning into our bodies and calming that visceral response through practices like breathwork, taking walks, and mindfulness. So, turn off the TV and tune in to yourself.
2. Stay Present
Election anxiety is, at its core, anxiety about the future. In this present moment, we are okay. Yet, we find ourselves projecting “what ifs,” imagining worst-case scenarios, and catastrophizing. Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools to help us stay grounded in the present.
3. Do Something
In the words of former First Lady Michelle Obama, “Do something.” In response to that visceral sense of dread I experienced, I chose to spend a few hours volunteering. From the comfort of my home, I made calls for the candidate of my choice. It was incredibly helpful to feel like I was “doing something.”
4. Foster Connection
As I alluded to earlier, so many of us are experiencing varying degrees of stress in response to the election. You are not alone. Reaching out, sharing your experiences, and connecting with others who feel the same can be powerful ways to manage the weight of election anxiety.
Conclusion
With just five days to go, I want to remind you to take care of yourself. It’s so important, especially during this stressful time. This collective tension we’re feeling shows just how deeply we care about our future and the impact these outcomes can have on our lives and communities. Remember, it’s okay to feel anxious; it means you’re invested in what’s happening.
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