Election Day 2024 is just around the corner, and the road to this point has been intense. From candidate controversies to legal battles and debate drama, it’s no surprise that many people feel worn out and frustrated. In fact, most Americans say they experience anxiety, anger, and exhaustion when thinking about the election, with these feelings showing up as lost sleep, intrusive thoughts, or even tension in relationships.
Political stress is its own kind of "chronic" stress, separate from everyday anxieties. Left unchecked, it can take a toll on your mental and physical health, and may even lead to conflict with loved ones. But with the right strategies, you can protect your well-being as we move through these last weeks before Election Day. Here are some tips to help manage stress during this election cycle.
1. Set Boundaries with Online Media
Let’s be real—political content is everywhere. Whether it’s the 24/7 news cycle or endless social media posts, it can feel like you can’t escape the noise. And with social media apps designed to keep you scrolling, it’s easy to get sucked into a spiral of political updates.
To reduce stress, it’s important to limit your exposure. You can start by setting time limits for social media or news websites where political content is front and center. On social media, be mindful of who you’re following—unfollow or mute accounts that overwhelm your feed with political posts. Some people find it helpful to reduce the amount of time they spend watching TV news as well.
Another idea: instead of watching the news, try reading it. Reading gives you more control over the information you take in and allows you to set your own pace. Subscribe to a local paper or stick to trustworthy online sources.
To help stick to these boundaries, replace your screen time with activities that bring joy. Research shows that distraction can be an effective way to manage political stress, so filling your time with hobbies, exercise, or fun activities can do wonders for your mental health.
2. Reframe Your Thoughts
Sometimes, the key to lowering stress is simply shifting how you think. Experts say that reframing—looking for the positives in a difficult situation—is the best way to reduce political stress. It could be as simple as reminding yourself that things may not be as bad as they seem, or that tough situations can still lead to positive outcomes.
Try asking yourself, "Is there another way to look at this?" This shift in perspective can ease anxiety and even improve your overall well-being as Election Day approaches.
3. Channel Your Energy into Positive Action
While reframing can help lower your stress levels, some people find that it also decreases their motivation to engage in politics. If this resonates with you, turning your frustration into positive action is another way to feel empowered and reduce stress.
Consider getting involved in the political process—whether by volunteering for a campaign, donating to causes you believe in, or engaging in local government. Not only does this allow you to take action, but it also connects you with others who share your values. Building a sense of community can improve both mental and physical health.
For those in Salt Lake County, you can get involved locally by attending community meetings or serving on government committees. If you'd like to volunteer as a poll worker, it’s a great way to contribute directly to the election process.
And don’t forget the most important action you can take: make your voice heard by voting!
Final Thoughts:
Election cycles can be stressful, but the good news is that election-related stress often fades once the results are in. However, if you find that your stress remains unmanageable after Election Day, it’s important to seek help. At Aspen Ridge Counseling Center, we’re here to support you during difficult times. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help managing stress.
Take care of yourself—and remember, this stressful season will pass.
Sources:
Ford, B. Q., Feinberg, M., Lassetter, B., Thai, S., & Gatchpazian, A. (2023). The political is personal: The costs of daily politics. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 125(1), 1–28. https://doi-org.ezproxy.simmons.edu/10.1037/pspa0000335