Stress is contagious this Election Day. If you google “how to avoid election anxiety,” you’ll find a plethora of articles with titles like “Last-minute tips for coping with election stress and anxiety” or “Don’t let election anxiety get you down” or even “I’m a Therapist: Here’s How I’m Coping With Election Anxiety.”
Most of the tips are common sense:
- Be mindful. Focus on the present moment.
- Limit your intake of political news, polls, and social media.
- Practice self-care. Pursue activities that give you joy.
- Worry less. Do more to support your candidate in constructive ways that work for you.
- Breathe.
I’m trying to do all these things. But I am also a political news junkie. For me, being as informed as possible via a range of trusted sources helps me to feel ready for whatever comes next. This is not for everyone. But it’s just the way I’m wired.
At the same time, I am also doing my best to focus on what’s in front of me. Editing for my clients is a great meditation. Working on Novel 2 is a dive into the world of my imagination, where time is suspended. Cleaning the house brings the satisfaction of putting things in order that are within my control. Taking walks clears my head. Watching anything that makes me laugh refreshes my heart. Reading great novels is an essential escape, as well as an immersion in another writer’s art. On Monday nights, I’m back to my acting class, which is wonderful.
Hugs help, too.
So, Dear Reader, sending you good karma and serenity for today and whatever comes next. If you haven’t yet, be sure to vote. See you on the other side.
Evelyn Herwitz blogs weekly about living fully with chronic disease, the inside of baseballs, turtles and frogs, J.S. Bach, the meaning of life and whatever else she happens to be thinking about at livingwithscleroderma.com. Please view Privacy Policy here.
Image: Phil Hearing