5 Ways to Cope with Election Season Stress

Election season—particularly when it’s a Presidential year—can be very stressful to anyone invested in the outcome. No matter where you fall on the political aisle, here are 5 ways to ease your worries during this election.

Limit Media Consumption

As a well-informed voter, it’s important to stay up to date on key issues that impact your rights. But there’s a distinction between researching the candidates’ views to see how they match your values, and getting fully absorbed in the nonstop political commentary of a 24-7 news cycle.  

To lessen the negative impact on your mental health:

  • Set specific time limits for watching the news and checking social media.
  • Unfollow or mute inflammatory accounts or discussions.
  • Be mindful of the bias in most cable news programs.
  • Fact check to avoid misinformation.
  • Recognize the algorithms of social media platforms are designed to deliver content that matches your engagement (e.g. what you view, like, comment) instead of showing multiple perspectives.

Set Healthy Boundaries Around Political Discussions at Work

While your organization may have policies in place to curb political debate, there may still be employees who can’t help but make partisan comments, references, and jokes.

If you find yourself with a colleague or team member who steers conversations toward politics, try the following:

  • Redirect conversations toward shared professional objectives, rather than personal political beliefs.
  • Suggest a team policy of avoiding political discussions during work hours, ensuring the focus remains on collaboration and productivity.
  • If an election season debate arises, maintain a calm, neutral tone and avoid making it personal or emotional.
  • If conflicts become disruptive, consider consulting HR for guidance on creating a respectful workplace environment.

Pro Tip: These election season scenarios can just as easily happen at home if there’s political divide among family members. And while there’s no HR support, applying these same techniques can help you avoid a politically charged debate.

Stay Physically Active

No matter the cause for stress, staying active can reduce the negative impact of stress to your heart and overall wellbeing. Additionally, physical movement can help your body express anger, frustration, fear, and feelings of powerlessness in a healthy way.

  • High-impact movement like kickboxing and weightlifting can expel pent up emotions.
  • Mind-body movement, like yoga or Pilates, can lessen feelings of fight-or-flight and reduce cortisol levels.
  • Taking breaks throughout the day for movement, like walking or stretching, can help clear your mind.
  • Outdoor activities will reconnect you to nature and lessen anxiety.

Stay Engaged with Election Season in Positive, Productive Ways

A main source of stress during election season can often be the fear that your one vote doesn’t matter. There are many ways to make a bigger difference towards the change you want to see in the world though. Focusing on what you can do will bring a sense of purpose and productive contribution.

  • Volunteer for causes or campaigns you believe in.
  • Focus on local issues and community events where you can make a direct impact.
  • Donate money to candidates that represent your values.
  • Work at the polls during Election Day.

Practice Mindfulness

And finally, don’t forget to practice self-care. Learning to practice mindfulness consistently will not only help you to survive this election, but will help you be that much more resilient when election season rolls around again.

  • Engage in daily meditation or deep-breathing exercises.
  • Try progressive muscle relaxation or yoga to release tension.
  • Use resources provided by your EAP including live webinars, preventive tools, coaching, and mental health support.

Carebridge Can Help.

Sometimes, even despite our best efforts, election season stress can exacerbate anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. In these moments, getting professional help is necessary. If you have an employee assistance program, like Carebridge EAP, help is available 24-7-365. Check with your manager or HR leader to learn what health benefits are eligible for you and your loved ones.