Election season can bring a mix of emotions: hope, frustration, excitement, anxiety, and stress. The constant news coverage and debates can feel overwhelming. So can the heightened political tension and the content on social media. If you find yourself stressed or anxious during election season, you’re not alone. Managing that stress is important. It affects your mental health and daily well-being.

Here are some practical tips to help you navigate and reduce election-related stress.

1. Limit Media Consumption

Staying informed is important. But, constantly checking the news or social media can raise your stress. The 24/7 news cycle often thrives on sensationalism. This can raise anxiety. Set limits on how much time you spend consuming election-related content each day. For example, set specific times to catch up on the news. Avoid checking your phone or watching political coverage before bed. This can help reduce the emotional overload.

2. Filter Social Media Use

Social media can cause tension, especially during elections when opinions run high. If political conversations on your feeds overwhelm you, use filters. Mute, unfollow, or block stressful accounts. Consider a social media break. You can also curate your feed. Focus on positive content or other non-election interests.

3. Engage in Calming Activities

To ease the stress of election season, relax and center yourself. Engage in activities that help you do this. This could be practicing mindfulness, meditating, exercising, reading, or spending time in nature. Deep breathing exercises or yoga can also help reduce feelings of anxiety. Finding calm moments in your day will help you. It will keep you grounded and less reactive to outside stress.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

Elections can feel overwhelming because so much is out of our control. Rather than getting caught up in the uncertainty of outcomes, focus on what you can control. This might include voting, volunteering for a cause, or having civil conversations. Even small, productive actions can empower us. They can reduce feelings of helplessness.

5. Set Boundaries in Political Conversations

Political discussions can get heated, especially with friends or colleagues who disagree. It’s important to set boundaries around these conversations to protect your emotional well-being. If a discussion gets too stressful, it’s okay to change the subject. You can ask for a break by saying, “I value your opinion, but I need to step back from political talk.”

6. Stay Connected to Your Support System

Election season can make some feel isolated. It happens when their political views differ from those around them. Stay connected with supportive friends or family. They respect your feelings. Venting to a nonjudgmental listener can relieve stress. It can also provide a sense of solidarity. Sharing your thoughts or enjoying loved ones can ease stress. Connection is a powerful antidote to stress.

7. Manage Expectations and Uncertainty

A significant source of election-related stress is the fear of the unknown. The uncertainty of results, policies, and the nation can be overwhelming. Manage your expectations. You can’t predict or control everything. Uncertainty is a natural part of life. So, focus on the present, not the future.

8. Engage in Self-Compassion

Election season can stir up many emotions: frustration, disappointment, and hope. It’s okay to feel stressed or anxious now. Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, and give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s key to your mental and emotional health during stressful times, like an election.

9. Consider Professional Support

If election-related stress is hurting your mental health, consider therapy. Therapy can provide you with tools to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm. A professional can help you during high-stress times, like election season. They can offer coping strategies.

10. Remember That This Too Shall Pass

Election season doesn’t last forever. Remind yourself that, regardless of the outcome, life will move forward. Manage your stress now. It will keep you resilient and grounded as the election season ends.

Final Thoughts

Election season can cause stress and anxiety. But you can take steps to protect your mental health. You can navigate the election’s emotional ups and downs more easily. Limit media exposure. Engage in self-care. Set boundaries. Focus on what you can control. Above all, you can manage your stress and well-being in this intense time.