Managing Your Emotions During Election Season

During an election

As elections get closer, many people feel more stressed and emotional because of political disagreements. The nonstop news, social media arguments, and uncertainty about what will happen can make it even harder to cope. It's important to recognize these feelings and find ways to manage them.

Use the suggestions below to help manage your emotions during elections.

Limit media consumption. Be careful about how much news and social media you consume. Setting limits can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the information.

Try mindfulness and relaxation techniques. To help keep your mind balanced, consider activities like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or physical activities. You can find helpful videos like breathwork and body scans in our resource library.

Connect with supportive friends and family. Talk to friends and family who share your values. Enjoy non-political conversations with them to create a supportive space that helps you feel stronger emotionally.

Get involved in your community. Being active in your community can help you feel less isolated. Volunteering, attending local events, or having discussions focused on understanding can direct your attention away from national issues towards positive local impacts.

Take breaks from the politics. Taking time off from political discussions can be good for your mental health. By focusing on self-care and positive interactions, you can get through election seasons with a clearer mind.

After an election

After an election, emotions might swing from hope to disappointment. As you move on, remember to take care of yourself and have positive conversations to help bring your community together. It’s a good time to process these feelings and talk with others respectfully.

Use the suggestions below to help you cope and build unity in your community.

Recognize and validate your feelings. It’s normal to feel many emotions after an election. Take time to understand and express these feelings by journaling or talking to someone you trust.

Continue to limit media consumption. To avoid feeling burned out after the election, set limits on how much news and social media you check. Schedule specific times to look at the news and take breaks to stay grounded.

Continue practicing mindfulness and self-care. Mindfulness techniques like the ones below are helpful for remaining calm.

• Relax your mind. Activities like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle walks can help ease stress after the election. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer offer guided sessions to help you relax.
• Reflect on your values and gratitude. Write down what matters to you and the good changes you want to focus on moving forward.
• Engage in calming activities. Listening to music, taking walks in nature, or doing yoga can help you feel better.
• Reconnect with friends and family. Have positive, non-political conversations with loved ones to strengthen your connections.
• Explore creative outlets. Getting creative through art, music, or writing can help you process your feelings.
• Plan a digital detox. Take a break from technology to recharge your mind and energy.

Get help. If times get tough, remember you can ask for help. We’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to request a counseling appointment or call us at 877-313-4455.