Check out our 15 tips below on taking care of yourself throughout election season!
These days, it can be hard to manage your need to stay up to date with current events and not feel anxious about the future of our country and the intentions of our political leaders.
Know what you CAN control and what you CANNOT control. Look to activities that bring purpose and happiness to your life.
During this election cycle, it’s also especially important that you take care of your mental health and find avenues of self-care that work best for you. Anita Mandley, an Integrative Psychotherapist, recommends finding your tribe.
One of her clients, a sexual assault survivor, felt worried after the 2016 presidential election and decided to become an activist to inspire change. She soon connected with others who experienced similar trauma and began networking with local policy organizations, working towards changing legislation to help her community.
Therapist Donya Wallace, a visiting professor at Palo Alto University, urges you to create boundaries with those around you by putting a limit on election talk.
She recommends focusing “on those aspects of the relationship in which there is a shared interest. Consider creating a list of safe topics with family and friends.”
15 Tips for Self Care Before, During and After The Election
Before
1. Vote
One thing 2020 has taught us is that you can’t control everything! Nothing is promised, but do your best to work on and manage the things you can control.
Most people can control whether or not they drop off their ballots or research their political candidates.
As usual, every vote counts and some states have been decided by as little as six votes.
2. Volunteer
If you have some extra time on your hands, volunteer at the polls and phone banks. Helping others is a fantastic form of self-care.
You can join a non-partisan group or your preferred political party. Spending time with voters who many need help filling out their ballots, translating or finding their polling place is such a rewarding feeling.
This is another way of taking control and making a difference. Helping people always makes you feel better.
3. Bring a Friend
If you’re worried that you’ll be bored while voting or feel socially anxious about volunteering alone, bring a friend, family member or coworker with you.
It’s a great way to strengthen your bond while pushing yourself to achieve your task at hand: voting and helping your community!
4. Be Prepared
Uncertainty frequently creates additional stress. Some voting sites have longer lines than others. The weather may not be the best. You may be hungry.
What are some activities that can help you stay entertained and motivated while waiting? You can bring your favorite book or listen to your favorite podcast. You can also prepare a snack and check the weather so you know what to expect.
Vote early so if your first attempt doesn’t work out, you can try again. You can also vote by mail to avoid the stresses of voting in person.
5. Limit Election Talk
Communicate clear boundaries with those around you, especially if election discussions stress you out.
Since Wallace recommends focusing “on those aspects of the relationship in which there is a shared interest,” focus on those things instead. I’m sure you have much more than only politics in common with your loved ones!
During
6. Self-Care Night
On election night, plan a self-care evening just for you to reduce your stress.
Pull out your moisturizing masks, pedicure kit, favorite tv show and journal. Take some time to show yourself some love. Also, dump your feelings into your journal to clear your mind for a restful night.
Since hotel prices are much cheaper during the pandemic, you can also plan an affordable stay-cation in your city.
7. Don’t Stay Up
Staying up late to watch the news all night as the electoral votes come in won’t change the results. Whether or not you sacrifice a good night’s rest, the results will be the same in the morning.
Feel proud that you voted and completed your civic duty. The rest is out of your hands.
8. Plan a Game Night
A fun game night with friends or family will get your mind off of things. Ask everyone to commit to not discussing the election for the evening. This is a politics free zone!
Remember to social distance and go virtual if possible.
9. Limit Your Social Media Use
Politicians are trending almost everyday on Twitter. You don’t need to know every single update by the minute during election night.
A summary of the results the next day will have the same information without the prolonged feelings of anxiety.
10. Plan a Movie Night
Instead of watching news reports, plan a virtual movie night with your friends on Zoom!
I recommend Hamilton on Disney+ since the movie is almost three hours and will create the perfect distraction for your evening.
After
11. Feel Your Feelings
Whether you feel sad, neutral or happy after the results are final, take some moments to feel those feelings. Don’t suppress or avoid them.
Write them out in your journal, or talk to a friend (with boundaries of course!). Allow yourself some time to decompress before you move on.
12. Focus on the Positives
The holidays are right around the corner. Look forward to decorating your home, spending time with loved ones and eating Thanksgiving dinner.
Some people don’t always have the best relationship with their families or have a hard time making friends. If that sounds like you, volunteer to help those in need. It will make you feel better, redirect your focus and give you a sense of purpose.
13. Find Your Tribe
If you’re passionate about a cause or fit into a certain group, seek out your tribe. Your similarities will be a great foundation for new friendships.
You can join local volunteer and activism organizations such as the ACLU. Apps like Meetup or Bumble BFF are great ways to meet new people.
14. Focus on New Year’s Resolutions
You probably had a long list of New Year’s resolutions that were hard to complete because of the pandemic.
With about two months left in the year, now is a great time to go through that list and see what you can get started on.
You can also begin working on your resolutions for next year.
While planning my own fitness New Year’s resolutions last year, I got started two months ahead, in November. It helped me feel more confident for the year ahead. I also felt comfortable navigating the gyms once the crowds increased.
15. Rediscover a Hobby
Did you love soccer practice in grade school or enjoy playing the piano in the past? It’s never too late to take up your past hobbies again and you’re never too old to try.
Growing up, I went to the library weekly and read tons of books. After college, I joined a local book club for women and increased my social circle and network!
If you love to travel, you can also spend time learning a new language with apps like DuoLingo or try out new cookbooks and create international dishes.