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It’s your job to take care of you, and your family. Our vote is on YOU.
The day after. After a contentious national election and many local races that leave so many people in emotional distress – one way or the other. Regardless if your mayoral candidate lost, your favorite question didn’t get passed, or the president’s office goes to someone you have opposed publicly or privately for months, it is a time for self-care.
Accepting reality and the Democratic process is probably the first step. Knowing that when you are in a room, or at the Thanksgiving table, 1/2 of the people there, the person to your right and to your left may feel politically different than you do – either entirely or on hotbed issues, should be a start to a new normal in how we will react and interact with those who feel differently than we do.
First – take a breath. The sun rose today. You’ll have your cup of coffee. Get the kids ready for school. Pick up the grandkids after school. You’ll go out to eat, or make some comfort food at home.
Know that your children are watching your reactions – and that might be the most important part of why taking care of you is so critical. With that we gathered some suggestions – pretty similar to one another – and present them here for you…
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Take a moment to breathe. Whether you’re feeling relief, disappointment, or a mix of emotions, it’s okay to let it all settle. Remember to prioritize your well-being—step away from the news, connect with loved ones, and focus on what brings you peace. Recharge by doing something that nourishes you, whether it’s spending time in nature, reading, or practicing a favorite hobby. Your voice matters, and so does your resilience. Be kind to yourself.
The time right after an election can be unsettling, with the ongoing debates, reactions, and adjustments to potential changes. It can feel disruptive as people process the outcomes and adapt to new realities. During this period, grounding activities like connecting with friends, taking breaks from news, and finding balance in daily routines can be especially helpful. Remember, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, and making space for self-care can help restore a sense of stability amid the shifts.
The Unitarian Church in Providence suggests you reconnect with nature – take some quiet time and walk – walk off the beaten path, in the woods, at a park. Take the earbuds out and walk in the quiet. Be steady. Be solid.
The Women Project suggests a self-care plan which begins with allow yourself to feel sadness, fear, and anxiety without guilt or judgment. Budget time and energy: Limit the time you spend with friends, or say no if you’re not up to it. Practice mindfulness: Try meditation, compassion-based practices, or journaling. Take care of your body and eat veggies/fruits/whole foods, get enough rest, hydrate, and move your body. Change the subject – it’s ok to say you don’t want to talk about anything that stresses you out. Being in nature helps mental health and wellness–studies prove it. Take screen-breaks and put down your phone! No more doomscrolling please. Try stepping away from the phone or computer every hour or turn it off for longer if you can. And – our favorite piece of advice: Find joy – engage in activities that bring you happiness, such as reading, crafts, or hanging with pets.
With the 2024 presidential election approaching, many of us are caught in the doom-scrolling trap—constantly scrolling through negative news and social media updates. This habit can seriously impact our mental health, leading to increased anxiety and stress.
Limit Doomscrolling – Sean O’Neil, LMFT at Westside Recovery, explains, “Constant exposure to negative information can create a cycle of anxiety that feels overwhelming. It’s crucial to recognize when it’s time to take a step back and prioritize your mental health.” Consuming so much negative information heightens anxiety, and we all need to find ways to limit screen time, and how we get our news for healthier news consumption and setting boundaries to protect our well-being during this intense time. Feeling the weight of election anxiety? You’re not alone. Sean understands how this stress can seep into our everyday lives, affecting everything from our mood to our relationships. Election season can amplify feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, making it crucial to find effective coping strategies. Sean emphasizes, “It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and take proactive steps to manage them.”
Here are a few tips from Sean to help combat election-related stress:
Seek Professional Support: If anxiety becomes too much to handle, consider talking to a professional like Sean, who can provide tailored strategies and support.
Limit News Intake: Set specific times to check the news, and avoid constant updates that can heighten anxiety.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to center yourself and reduce overwhelming feelings.
Stay Connected: Reach out to friends and loved ones. Sharing your feelings can provide relief and remind you that you’re not alone.
Establish a Routine: Keeping a daily routine can create a sense of normalcy and control amidst the chaos.
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Cody Lajewski and his wife, Emily Andrews, told Dispatch Politics “Regardless on who wins, my goal is to bring back public discourse. I don’t care about who wins. Like, winning would be nice. Losing, I think, has drastic consequences,” he said. “The rest of the country is going to have their problems that they have to face. It’s my job as a husband and a father to protect my children, and I can’t do that across the country. I can only do that here.”
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