Discussions about politics can easily become heated, and when this happens, you may feel upset or frustrated. As the U.S. election approaches, many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain. Additionally, 2020 has been a difficult year for many of us due to the coronavirus pandemic. From the pandemic to quarantining to job loss, a heated election only adds more anxiety for some.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious by the current political climate, you are not alone. With the right strategies and tips, you can calm your anxiety and take time to ensure that your mental health and well-being come before anything else.

Practice Mindfulness

Every day there is more and more news pouring in about the election. With so much media to consume, you may find yourself getting overwhelmed and detached from reality. By practicing mindfulness throughout your day, you can bring yourself back down. When you feel overwhelmed, take a step back, and focus on your surroundings. Politics can easily make your head spin; when you feel this happening, prioritize getting back into a safe headspace.

Limit Your News Intake

On a similar thread to the first strategy, you may want to limit your news intake. We all want to be informed and stay up to date on current events. This desire is normal, and, during an election season in particular, it is our civic responsibility. However, we should also take care of ourselves first and foremost. As new information piles on every day, the news can quickly turn from informative to overwhelming. Simply remember that you can step away from the TV, computer screen, or phone. You can take breaks from the news, and this does not make you an irresponsible person.

Avoid People Who Only Talk About Politics

Some people will inevitably have different political opinions than you. It’s one thing to express these opinions, but it’s another to force them onto others. If a family member, coworker, or friend is only talking about politics these days, consider limiting conversation until after the election is over. By doing so, you’re prioritizing your well-being and clarity throughout the day. It’s okay to not want to talk about politics all the time, and if people around you are, take a step back. Again, you must do what feels most comfortable for you. Setting boundaries around “hot” conversational topics is healthy.

Take Up Yoga or Meditation

If the political climate is stressing you out, yoga and meditation are both great outlets for stress. When you come home from work, consider adding a yoga workout to your routine. Or, you could begin meditating before bed. These practices will help you feel better physically, but they’ll also help you mentally.

Recognize the Effects of Stress on Your Body

Stress affects our bodies in many ways. Most notably, it affects our mental well-being. When we constantly feel stressed, anxious, or worried, it affects the way we think. You may have a more difficult time sleeping, eating, or feeling motivated. Physically, you may feel aches and pains for seemingly no reason. As it turns out, there is a reason behind these aches and pains — stress. Many people experience more stress around election time, and it can have consequences on our physical, emotional, and mental health.

Regardless of who you’re voting for or your thoughts on the current election, it is inevitably fueling anxiety. There is a lot at stake in our country, and this feeling of uncertainty is unbearable. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed because of the current political climate, remember that you are not alone. With the tips and strategies in this list, you can find more productive outlets when you feel anxiety. 

This year has been a difficult one, and there’s no shame in admitting that you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything that’s going on. Don’t let your anxiety continue to go unchecked — take steps to calm it and consider seeing a therapist to support you and help get you through this difficult time.

Reach out to the Relationship Counseling Center of Austin if you have been experiencing heightened anxiety from the political climate of our country. If you are struggling to cope with the state of things, seek support by scheduling an appointment. Give us a call at (512) 270-4883, or request an appointment online through our RCC Austin Scheduling page. We are to help.

For more information, click here: Individual Counseling.