Self-Care Around an Election
With the election right around the corner, it’s especially important to prioritize self-care. Elections can bring up strong emotions in all of us. There can be feelings of frustration around the election as we are more in touch with opposing opinions. Seeing a candidate whose values we disagree with, and might even feel threatened by, triggers feelings of fear and anxiety as we worry about future policies that may be enacted if they are elected. There may be feelings of disappointment that the values of those with whom we share our country do not align with ours. And hopelessness can strike if we feel disempowered to make changes.
Know that all of these feelings are valid, and that what you are experiencing is real. Elections do have a tremendous impact on us and our loved ones. With that, it’s especially important to attend to our own needs and the needs of our community during these times. Here are some ways that you can practice self-care during this election season:
VOTE! This is perhaps the most important way we can take care of ourselves during the election. Make sure your voice is heard and counted this Tuesday, either by voting early or at your local polling station on the day of the election. You can find information on where to vote here. You can help others in your community by checking in with friends and family about their voting plans. Don’t forget to research your local candidates, as well–local politics matter just as much as national elections.
Stay connected with others: Make sure to talk with friends, family, and your community about how you are doing with the election. Stay connected for support leading up to and after the election. Having people to lean on can help us cope with stress and feel better resourced to navigate change.
Meet your basic needs: Sleep, diet, and exercise can have a big impact on our mood. It can be easy to forget about these basic needs when big events are occurring, but paying attention to our bodily needs helps us handle stress better. Think of it like putting gas in the tank–your car needs fuel to run, and so do you. Take a moment to check in and see if there are any needs of yours that aren’t being met right now.
Think about what grounds you: What helps you feel grounded and centered? Is it connecting with nature or taking a walk outside in the city? Do you find taking a hot shower to feel soothing and relaxing? Does reading relax you, or do you enjoy getting out and meeting up with friends? Do things that feel kind to yourself in this moment of stress.
Give back: Elections can leave us feeling disempowered. Taking action can be one antidote for hopelessness. Find somewhere local to volunteer, or get involved with advocacy for policies you believe in. If you can find a buddy who wants to come along, even better.
Set boundaries with media consumption: If reading the news is causing your heart rate to skyrocket, think about reducing your media diet. Consider why it’s important to you to stay connected to the news, and think about whether the amount you currently read or watch is consistent with those values. You may be able to check the news fewer times per day, read a digest at a specific time, or turn off push notifications and still stay connected and up-to-date. Staying involved in politics and current events is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s important to pace yourself so you don’t entirely burn out.
Use relaxation strategies: Use proactive skills like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation daily or a few times a week to regulate your body. Consider writing in a journal or meeting with a therapist to process your thoughts and feelings.
Remember, during this election cycle, to be kind to yourself. When possible, try to stay connected to the things and people that help you foster a sense of connectedness, empowerment, and hope. It's okay to care deeply while also taking care of yourself. In fact, it's essential.
