Choosing Self-Care During Election Season

Election season signifies a time of transition and change which can be both exciting and stressful. No matter what your personal political leanings may be, elections highlight current problems and dilemmas, and are often accompanied by conflicts at a national, community, family and personal level. However, when you approach election season — whether it’s by actively campaigning or hiding in the woods! — practicing self-care is essential for maintaining your mental health and well-being.

There are many aspects to self-care: physical, emotional, social and environmental. Attention to each aspect is important. Some of us fare better at some aspects of self-care than others. For me, at least some physical activity is important. I usually choose walking. I watch runners and cyclists speedily pass me by and feel a touch of jealousy that they find that beneficial. (Anybody who knows me knows I’m not coordinated enough to run without tripping.)

I also like to go somewhere that makes me feel free and refreshed, like the beach or a park. When I feel stress welling up from all the ‘what-ifs’ associated with an upcoming election (or anything I’m anxious about in the future), I head outside; others might curl up on the couch with a good book. I have some friends who can’t tear themselves away from the news, weighing every word, while others stay away from anything election related. I’m in the middle: I need to have some information, but I try to avoid overload.

Nutrition, i.e., food, is another area that matters to one’s well-being. I know the foods — types and amounts — that make me feel better and those that leave me feeling regretful. I try to act accordingly. I tend to only realize how much I need water, and how that might be affecting my mood and wellbeing, whenever I finally have a glass! I do know not to overdo alcohol for a variety of reasons, such as its aftereffects and the social challenges it might bring about: I find it’s just not good for me. Any addictive substance eventually makes things worse.

These days, we have many stressors in play, whether it is the election, wars, weather, work or general life pressure; and so many of us are still readjusting after COVID. There are ways to prevent realistic worry from becoming anxiety and angst. Attending to the basics noted above — nutrition, hydration, exercise, sleep and connection — is essential.

Among those essentials, I also include mindfully breathing: taking three intentional deep breaths, slowly counting to four on inhale, holding for four seconds, and then exhaling for four seconds. It’s good to do this throughout the day and during moments of stress. Breathing is a quickly portable tool to bring down the volume level of our emotions. Connecting with others in your life who make you feel well, including family, friends and mental health professionals, can also be fortifying.

Elections reflect only one of life’s many ongoing moments of transition, change, stress and opportunity. At these times, I remind myself to slow things down as much as I reasonably can; have compassion for myself and others; find respect for all of us; and exercise patience and persistence.

I find that all of this can help to foster a life of more wins, and helps me manage the many challenging stages of life. What are you doing to stay strong this election season?