Election Stress

We all go through stressful times in life. Anyone of us has any number of things that pull us in separate directions throughout a day, week, and month. Those stresses, while different in severity for an individual, can often be similar to those around us. For example, when pulling up to a gas station or grocery store, most people stress about the money they will spend. The difference between this being a minor inconvenience or a catastrophic blow, is how much money one has in their pocket. 

I think the same concept applies as we move closer to this year’s presidential election. Some vote because of the presidential candidate they idolize, with banners and signs lining their yards. Their biggest concern is sticking it to the other side of the political spectrum. Then there are those whose life is on the ballot. Those whose livelihoods are threatened by this election. Where with one party they are respected individuals, and the other, the butt of their never-ending joke. Both people listed in this example are feeling election stress, but again, are experiencing much different severity of stress. 

This election stress takes a lot away from us every day. Everyday conversations quickly turn negative and lead to conflict as people express their concerns, or loathsome, for either or both candidates. We get constant phone calls and text messages that direct us away from the present, to remind us to vote for their candidate. The news blasts ideas of inflation, the electoral college, the popular vote, and gerrymandering when all you want is to enjoy Halloween with the family. 

You shouldn’t have to feel like this every 4 years. This is why we are going to provide you with some election stress management tips. The first recommendation is to set boundaries and limit your media consumption, especially at the start of November. Read and listen enough to stay informed, then follow it up with a walk outside. While it’s not going anywhere, when it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. If you are passionate about the election, but it still causes you stress, avoid getting into political discussions that you think may lead to conflict. The last thing one needs to do is turn that stress into anger. If you notice yourself getting worked up, self-exit the situation and do some breathing exercises. Deep breaths and center yourself. 

If you have an immense amount of political passion and energy, channel that into your community! This election is not just for the president, there are state and local elections that will affect you and your community heavily. Educate yourself, and get involved. Try to limit worry about what will happen, get out there, and do something about it! 

How do you manage your stress if your party loses? It would be easy for me to say, “ Life will go on even if your party loses” or, “ The world is still spinning and you are still in it”. However, I know that is disingenuous. As much as I educate myself, I come from a privileged background, so I cannot fully grasp the severity of this election for anyone who isn’t myself. In the words of my grandmother, “ While this election may not affect me, it will affect people I care about, and that’s enough for me”. For post-election stress, I suggest good coping strategies. Especially since there will be many mail-in ballots like in 2020, the results may take some time to be finalized. Good coping strategies look like getting enough sleep, getting exercise, practicing meditation, or connecting with friends. Anything that betters your life for a moment, go and do it. 

The last suggestion I have to limit election stress is to use your vote in a way you will be proud of. I know there are calls for the major candidates, write-in candidates, third parties, or to abandon the election altogether. It isn’t my place to tell you what to do with this election and your vote. I ask that you imagine yourself two weeks after an election in any outcome and think, “ Did I use my vote valuably?” If your answer is yes, you did all you could. If you have some regret or stress thinking about this, either get out and vote, or influence and encourage others to use their vote valuably. 

Written By: Ryan Keller MSW