How to Fight Election Anxiety
You don't need hope, you need certainty. To find that you need to know where to look.
A lot of people are dealing with some serious election anxiety right now. I won’t get into what it feels like or why you’ve got it. If that’s not self-evident, spend some time paying attention to your thoughts and your body. Reflect on the news, advertisements, and social media about politics, particularly the election. You'll figure it out. Let's get straight to what to do about it.
Find Certainty Where It Is
You are uncertain about the outcome of the election. You are also unsure how bad it could get if it doesn't go your way. No amount of research or rumination can give you certainty here.
Embrace the certainty in not knowing. The outcome or its personal impact remains a mystery. Take comfort in this certainty. The universe could deal a lousy hand even if your candidate wins. It could also hand you a winning lottery ticket even if your candidate loses. Adopt a 'we’ll see' attitude, finding relief in the unknown.
Be Here Now
Remember, most anxiety is a future-oriented emotion. By focusing on the present, you can regain a sense of control. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Pull yourself back into the here and now. You've got a good President right now. Hopefully, your physical needs will be met for the day. You've got a little time and access to read the words of a stranger offering some helpful words. It might not be great, but it could be worse. This is your present, and you have the power to shape it.
Take Care of Your Environment
Anxiety is contagious. Be aware of the state of the people around you. The best way to help yourself is to help other people. Offering some wisdom to the people who may be struggling around you helps reinforce your confidence while improving the emotional environment influencing you. Be the one to tend to the seed of serenity.
Easy on the What-ifs
Limit your exposure to news that triggers anxiety. If it's negative, beyond your control, and unlikely to directly impact you, it’s okay to skip it. You can be aware of such information, but don't immerse yourself in every detail from multiple angles. This boundary can bring you comfort and peace of mind.
Limit what-if thinking to understanding what you control and what you want to do with your control. Focusing on what you control puts the focus on your power, leaving no room for feeling like a potential victim. Your attention will fill your mind with the material your thoughts are made of. Use it wisely.
Remember Why You Should Be Confident
If you are reading this, you are a survivor. Individually and collectively, we've been through some shit. Both despite and because of that, we are still moving forward. Likely, we are stronger for it. Shine a spotlight on why you should be confident in yourself. Remember, there are a LOT of people pushing in the same direction as you.
Get Yourself Some
This is how certainty is found and grown. Looking within, focusing on your sphere of influence, and nurturing what you find. You'll never have certainty that everything will be okay in the future, but you can be confident that you can handle what is coming.
