Political ads, phone calls, texts, mailings, and endless news reports.  Everywhere we turn it seems we’re receiving a message about the upcoming election. 

It can all be too much and cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

As we navigate the next few months leading up to November, Jessica Grier, director of behavioral health community services, recommends that team members practice self-awareness to recognize how they’re feeling every day.

“Nobody knows what the future will hold,” says Grier. “Spending energy worrying about something that may not happen can be exhausting. Focusing on what I can control, like what I’m eating for lunch or when I go to bed, affects the amount of stress I’m creating in my environment. I can’t predict the future or the outcome of the election, but I can vote.”

Here are additional tips to help you through election season:

• Channel your concerns into making a positive difference on issues you care about. Consider volunteering in your community, advocating for an issue you support, or joining a local group.
• If you decide to discuss politics, don’t do it with the intent to convince anyone. Instead, do it to better understand a differing opinion. Make the conversation about curiosity and friendly debate, not persuasion.
• Reflection and perspective can be powerful tools in understanding the process of our own emotions as well as those of others. Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or express them through other forms of art or creative outlets.
• Take time to disconnect from watching the news or accessing social media sites; these can become overwhelming. Instead, take time to breathe.
• Take care of yourself physically. Exercise, eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of rest, and hydrate throughout the day.

Don’t forget to acknowledge that news reports and discussions with family and friends about the election may bring strong emotional or physical reactions. Everyone’s response is unique due to personal history, beliefs, outlook, support system, health status, and coping strategies. Respect others and try not to make assumptions or communicate in a way that can trigger or isolate them.

Resources

WellSpan’s myStrength program offers personalized support for stress, anxiety, sleep and more through digital courses and online tools for individuals. Visit myStrength.com and use the code COMMUNITYSERVICES to get started or call 800-945-4355.