In today’s fast-paced world, particularly during election season, many people experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Find out how to incorporate 11 soothing self-care strategies designed to help navigate the stressful challenges that can arise during this time.
11 Self-Care Tips to Cope With Election Stress
While we can’t eliminate or control all the stressors around us, we can take proactive steps to manage our emotions and alleviate election stress. By implementing simple self-care practices into our routine, we can empower ourselves to navigate these challenging times with increased resilience and enhanced health.
#1 Meditate for 5 Mindful Minutes
Only have a few minutes to spare? According to research, as little as five minutes could effectively decrease stress and improve mental health. While this is undoubtedly a valuable tool to navigate election stress, it’s also something we can use routinely, for whatever we have going on in our lives.
There are so many different meditations to choose from. With FitOn, you can simply clear your mind, ground your body, and press play on one of our many meditations.
#2 Acknowledge How You’re Feeling
If you’re feeling extra stressed or anxious, you’re not alone. Sometimes just acknowledging that feeling is far less stressful than trying to pretend those feelings aren’t there. Today, simply check in with how you’re feeling and ask yourself what you need.
Do you need to sign off social media for the day? Maybe it’s as simple as finding some extra time to just be alone and away from all the outside noise. This quick mental check-in can be performed anytime, anywhere, and is a great tool for combating all that election stress!
#3 Limit News Consumption & Social Media Use
Being mindful of your social media use this week may not be such a bad idea. In fact, a social media detox is something we probably all could benefit from.
This doesn’t mean that you have to go an entire day without checking social media. At the very least, consider setting some boundaries around it. This could be limiting your screen time before bed or avoiding news outlets and triggering social media accounts. To protect your mental health, consider taking temporary breaks from these platforms or unfollowing/unsubscribing from sources that tend to increase your stress.
#4 Be Kind to Yourself
Today, be extra kind to yourself. This can come in the form of starting a workout, doing some yoga when you’re feeling stressed after the busy day, or just giving yourself some extra grace during this stressful time.
Chances are, if you’re feeling that election stress, those around you may be too. So, as you practice kindness to yourself, spread kindness to those around you as well. Kindness is contagious, and studies show that kindness actually makes us happier.
RELATED: How to Transform Your Life With The Powerful Practice of Self-Compassion
#5 Move Your Body
Whether it’s a brisk walk, quick yoga flow, or sweaty HIIT workout, moving your body is one of the most effective ways to release tension and boost your mood. There’s something for everyone on the FitOn app, no matter how you’re feeling today. Tune in to what your body needs today and find a workout that will help you bust stress or unleash that inner Zen.
#6 Sip on a Comforting Drink
Take a five-minute break from the busy day and curl up on the couch with a mug of herbal tea to help settle election tension, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Try to steer clear of caffeinated beverages if you’re already feeling anxious, and try a stress-busting drink like chamomile tea or a homemade golden milk latte.
Made with superfoods like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, this cozy and calming turmeric latte is an excellent choice for stress relief.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat milk or dairy-free milk of choice
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Directions:
Step #1: Add the milk to a saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until smooth and slightly frothy. You may froth the mixture using a handheld mixer or a blender.
Step #2: Pour into a mug and serve warm with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon.
#7 Get to Bed Earlier
Between the time change and all-day election coverage, it’s easy to fall out of balance with a healthy sleep schedule. However, prioritizing your sleep is essential during this time! It can help combat stress and anxiety, stabilize and boost mood, and even enhance your ability to think clearly.
Lack of sleep, on the other hand, is only going to make us feel more stressed. If you’ve been feeling stressed and totally wiped out lately, try getting to bed even just a half-hour earlier. Getting enough shut-eye can go a long way in helping us feel better overall.
Feeling like your mind is racing before bed? Try a nervous system reset with a calming yoga nidra or a sleep meditation.
RELATED: 10-Minute Hacks to Reset Your Nervous System
#8 Set Healthy Boundaries
While it’s perfectly acceptable to have varying political opinions from your peers, colleagues, and even your loved ones, it’s also crucial to recognize that discussions surrounding politics can become heated and even uncomfortable. If you find yourself experiencing undue stress or overwhelm, it’s okay to protect your mental health and establish boundaries. This could include politely but firmly communicating your feelings, or even excusing yourself from any given conversation.
RELATED: How to Set Boundaries & Why You Should
#9 Spend Time With Those You Love
Leaning on your community is a great way to boost happiness and reduce feelings of stress. In fact, Harvard’s 85-year-old study on happiness found that quality relationships were key to a happy life. So, if you’re feeling stressed, reach out to those you love and spend some time together. Whether that’s taking a walk, doing a workout class together, or just getting together for a coffee, it may help bust some of that stress that so many are feeling right now.
#10 Spend Time in Nature
Fresh air and sunshine can enhance well-being, and research supports this. Studies have shown that spending time in nature has a positive impact on mental and cognitive health. So, if you’re feeling that election stress, get outside for a walk in your neighborhood, take a hike, or simply sit on your front or back porch with a cup of tea and breathe in the fresh air.
#11 Do Something Positive
When we’re feeling low, doing something positive can help boost our moods. Consider signing up for a volunteer event near you, baking something for a friend, or heading to a local animal shelter and spending a few hours volunteering with the animals.
RELATED: How to Create a Dopamine Menu to Boost Your Daily Happiness
Make Time for Self-Care Today
Election stress or not, self-care is crucial — especially during this time of year. Remember to get your daily dose today and check in with how you’re feeling and what you need. Be patient and kind to yourself — there’s never been a better time to focus on self-care.
