The election came and went, and whether you are pleased or devastated by the results, too much awareness of the political climate can cause undue stress.
The election may be one day, but the result will have rippling impacts for years to come. Here are some quick tips on managing stress and anxiety when you are overwhelmed by current happenings:
1. Limit Social Media
This tip probably should come first in every blog post. Social media typically does more harm than good. Whether you are seeing your weird Uncle post political spam on Facebook, being marketed to on Instagram about starting a homestead life, or seeing Kamala Harris AI dance on TikTok, these are all unnecessary things that drain energy. What we see on social media takes up brain space even when we aren’t actively scrolling. Clients who have limited their social media presence and engagement report increased contentment overall.
2. Focus on what you can control
There are so many socio-political issues one could focus on, but it’s best to focus on what you can actually control. Many political issues that were on the ballot are beyond your control, which I acknowledge isn’t the greatest feeling but it’s the reality of the situation. If you aren’t happy with how you are spending your time, only devote energy to one thing at a time rather than overloading yourself by trying to create change in multiple areas.
3. Ground yourself
Take stock. What is the reality of your situation? How are you feeling in your body? What do you hear? What are you grateful for? Grounding yourself is a powerful tool for working through anxiety, especially with what is happening in the world on a large scale.
4. To engage or NOT to engage in political discourse
This one is for you to decide and I think everyone knows themselves best when it comes to engaging in political conversations with friends, family and acquaintances. One thing I know for certain is that two sides will never see eye to eye if they don’t talk. Divisiveness caused by fear only leads to more divisiveness and segregation. Take what you will with that during the upcoming holidays with family.
Regardless, our clinicians are always here to help you process what is going on in the world, in your life, and how to cope with the ever-changing times. Reach out today for a free consultation to start your therapy journey!
