Keeping Politics Stress Free

Dear Voter, 

I like how you signed your email. Voting is essential when we live in a democracy like ours. I hope you’ve signed up to receive a mail-in ballot. You can always vote in person (even if you request a mail-in ballot) but if you have a ballot in hand, no matter what happens - bad weather, long lines, illness - you’ll still be able to vote.  

Now, let’s address your stress. You’re not alone. According to a recent American Psychological Association (APA) study on stress in America, 76 percent of Americans find that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress, and 66 percent are stressed by the current political climate.  

The website, Headspace, whose mission is to provide every person access to lifelong mental health support, says that according to recent research, even thinking about politics makes many people anxious, stressed, and unhappy.  

Of course, you can’t make all the political stress go away, and you shouldn’t. It’s important to stay informed but mindfulness can help you avoid political burnout. Managing stress is the key.   

“Being able to control responses to stressful events and manage the experience of stress when it does occur are learned behaviors,” writes Lynn Bufka, Ph.D., the Associate Executive Director of Practice, Research and Policy at APA. 

Bufka continues, “Identifying your personal sources of stress and recognizing how you typically respond to stressful situations will give you some ideas for how to handle future situations and times of stress.” 

Here are four tips I gleaned from various experts about handling political stress: 

*Learn to discern between thoughtful, informative content and stress-inducing, sensationalized material. 

* Be mindful of your media consumption. Regulate your digital environment by controlling notifications and choose specific times to engage with updates. It’s okay to react late to news! 

* Connect with individuals who provide a safe space for understanding current events. Sharing what you are thinking and feeling with trusted peers can mitigate the negative effects of stress.  

* Know when to walk away from political conversations that are causing you stress.  

One last thing…do something! Put labels on postcards, send texts, contribute money, march, buy and wear the t-shirt, put a sign in your yard, write a letter to the editor. Whatever your ability and your time constraints, there’s something you can do to get involved. Doing something will help you feel empowered. Focus on what you can control.  

Dr. Bufka confirms the power of action to reduce stress. “For some, taking action on an issue they care about may help them to feel that they have a voice or an opportunity to exert some control over a situation.” 

It’s possible to find calm amid the storms. Take good care of yourself!