By Laura Brennan, Senior Policy Manager
As the election approaches, the flurry of news, debates, and social media updates can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious. To help navigate this challenging time, I reached out to the Council’s staff for their favorite self-care strategies, hoping to inspire you and provide ideas to share with loved ones. During periods of high stress, it’s essential to proactively plan how to prioritize your mental health. Just like exploring a pumpkin patch, take your time to sift through this guide and select the self-care tips that resonate most with you and your unique needs.
Proactively Plan Activities: One recommendation is to create a personalized “go-to” list of activities to help manage emotions, drawing on a resource originally developed by psychologist Dr. Joanna Fava during the pandemic. The list includes various activities and helpful websites that are categorized into two groups: those for higher and lower emotions. That way, when you feel upset, you can easily reference activities that help support your current emotional state. As Alexandra Kirade, Senior Grants Manger, shared, “I taped it on my fridge during the pandemic and over time made my own shorter list of activities that are realistic for me in times of higher or lower emotions. An actionable list helps me to take care of myself.” She recommends choosing three go-to activities that can support you; that way you’ll have a quick reference when you need it most. Find Dr. Fava’s resource here. Additionally, our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team compiled this list of self-care and mental health resources that has various websites, social media accounts, and podcasts that may be helpful, including specific resources by and for BIPOC individuals.
Limit the Doomscrolling: Let’s face it — with the ease of access to social media and the influx of news content during election time, doomscrolling can be hard to resist. Staying up to date is important but try to limit how much time you spend reading the news and checking social media every day. Our Assistant Director of Medical Respite Care, Caitlin Synovec, suggests to “remove social media apps and replace them with distractions.” Engaging in word games or immersing yourself in a good book can fill those “waiting” times and keep your mind off the constant news cycle. Allot yourself a set amount of time to check the news (maybe 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes after work). If checking for updates before bed makes you feel overwhelmed and affects your sleep, check only in the morning to help keep your evenings more peaceful.
Embrace Activism: For those of us who thrive on activism and find it difficult to completely unplug, getting involved can be a healthy outlet for stress. As our Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications, Lindsey Turner noted, “I try to ramp up the time I spend volunteering or making political art… it gives me a place to channel my anxiety.” Engaging in community efforts not only helps combat feelings of helplessness but also fosters connections with like-minded individuals.
Maintain Consistent Routines: Daily routines have enormous benefits to mental health and overall happiness. “In high-stress times — it’s really about consistency with my routines,” said Christa Signor, our Medical Respite Manager. “Specifically as it relates to getting outside — running, what I eat, the rest I’m getting, and connecting with those I care about.” Developing a sustainable routine you can depend on during challenging periods can help ease your mind and lift your mood. A few colleagues noted the benefits of incorporating outdoor time into their schedules, whether it’s a hike, a run, or just sitting in a park. Taking a few moments each day to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature can provide a sense of calm.
Engage in Creative Activities: Channeling your creativity can also be a great escape. Whether it’s crafting, painting, or picking up a new hobby, engaging your creative side can be both fulfilling and therapeutic. Tracey Perger, Accounting Coordinator, says, “There are so many fun projects to distract from the worries of this world and then the final result can be something beautiful for myself or a gift for someone I love.” Even if you’re don’t consider yourself crafty, creative outlets are a great way to channel emotions and can be as simple as adult coloring books or diamond painting.
Find Your Calm: The stress and uncertainty of election season can leave us feeling overwhelmed with energy, completely drained, or somewhere in between. To manage these feelings, finding calm through grounding rituals or creative outlets can significantly help with stress. Kevonya Elzia, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion shared, “I rage dance if I need to expel energy or do a basic yoga routine if I need to ground.” Consider experimenting with different activities, like yoga, meditation, or even a soothing foot bath with herbs and Epsom salts —whatever helps you feel more centered and relaxed.
Connect with Loved Ones: Never underestimate the power of human connection. Numerous colleagues expressed the importance of taking time to connect with loved ones. Whether through a phone call, lunch, or a cozy movie night, spending time with those we care about can bring comfort and lift our spirits during tough times. However, for those navigating relationships with loved ones who hold differing political beliefs, this time may be especially difficult. One helpful suggestion is to set boundaries by letting them know you would love to connect but prefer to avoid discussion about the election. Ultimately, it’s essential to ensure connections feel safe and supportive.
Seek Professional Support: Lastly, consider reaching out to a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Finding a good mental health provider can be life changing, not just during election season but throughout any time in life. It’s critical to find a provider who meets all your requirements and not settling. It may be an arduous process but finding a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and fits your needs can make a world of difference. If you’re looking to find a new therapist, check out this search tool from Psychology Today.
Conclusion: These eight strategies are just a starting point; remember to do what works best for you and something that can be integrated into your daily life to help you stay grounded and resilient. By taking care of ourselves and ensuring our own cups are full, we’re better equipped to support one another and engage meaningfully with the world around us. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
