It’s an election year in the United States, and as our increasingly politically divided country inches closer to November, it seems inevitable that many of us will worry about the outcome. No matter the side you’re on, or the position you take, there are probably things in the political landscape that stir up strong emotions. Even the most level-headed citizens may have fears, worries or reservations regarding the upcoming election. While emotions tend to run high every four years, managing them is doable and important.
As a registered Independent, I tend to personally feel anxious and worried about something in just about every national election. My spouse is decidedly not an Independent and cares very deeply about one side winning the election. Needless to say, this can create a challenging atmosphere, and every four years I am tasked with managing my very real emotions about politics.
If you’re struggling with worry, fear, uncertainty, or increasingly real plans to move to Canada if the “other side” wins, try some of these methods to get yourself — and your feelings — back on track.
Begin with your nervous system
The nervous system is a complicated network of nerves running through your body that can become easily overstimulated, especially when you feel emotionally out of control. Keeping this system healthy can be key to managing your stress about the election.
Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle repetitive movements like walking, yoga, and stretching can be a great place to start. Even just increasing your awareness that you’re feeling jittery, on edge, or overwhelmed can be a warning signal that reminds you to do the work of getting yourself regulated and calm. When your body and brain have the tools they need to stay in control of big feelings, you can better manage the rest of your stress and fear.
Gratitude as an antidote to fear
While it’s true that an administration and its policies matter, there is always room for gratitude. Being grateful won’t change the chief executive of the nation, but it can change your attitude about who holds the position. When we hyperfocus on our fears, we forget the good things that are happening in our lives. The old adage “what we focus on grows,” is absolutely true, and if we can see that there is good in our lives and those of our friends and neighbors, a change in administration may seem less scary.
I am in an inter-political marriage (my spouse and I differ in opinion on some major political issues). While this can be frustrating, when I focus on the amazing qualities about my spouse that I’m thankful for, and the fact that those have persevered whether “his” candidate is in power or “mine” was, I remember that there are things in life that do not change, no matter who is in office. It’s crucial to remember the good in our lives, and when we do, we begin to trust that things are going to be alright — no matter who is in charge.
RELATED: How to Maintain Healthy Relationships Despite Political Differences
Remember the good
Inevitably, you’ve disagreed with someone who’s been in power during your lifetime. But along the lines of gratitude, try finding out about something good that happened due to the last administration from the “other side.” Maybe you disagreed with most of the policies during the last opposing administration but benefited personally from one of the laws enacted. Or perhaps the opposite is true: You personally did not benefit from a law or policy, but can you find a loved one who did? Focusing on any good that happened while your opponents were in power can help you remember that though you may have been overall dissatisfied, nothing is completely black and white.
Mobilize your community
Our minds have great power, but going one step further than focus can positively impact your pre-election stress levels. Try joining a group that sends out mailings, registers people to vote, campaigns for a candidate, or mobilizes your party in another way. You can check your local chapter of your political party, your city, county or state campaigns, or even organize your own group of mobilizers! Heading to Google and searching “help________ win 2024” will yield results whether you are politically red, blue, purple or green! By giving of your time, talent, and finances, you’ll know that you did your part to support the causes and candidates you care about. And when November comes, you can rest easy knowing that there was nothing more to be done — and remember that there’s always another election in just a short four years.