Five ways to reduce election stress
If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about November, you’re not alone. In a study from Forbes Health, more than 60% of respondents said elections have negatively impacted their mental health. Forty-six percent reported feelings of anxiety, 37% percent felt stress, and 21% percent said they were afraid.
Insight Counseling Duluth Psychotherapist Mary Morehouse says she sees this problem everyday and offers suggestions for coping. “I think trying to find that common ground. So, if you drive down a street and you see different signs. Which is great, we live in a democracy and we can do that. You have to find some common ground. You’re neighbors. You live on the same city and you live on the same block.”
First, focus on today. Mary says if the future seems like too much, focus on what you can control.
Then find ways to decrease stress. Breathe is always a good place to start. Mary says, “Pretend that you have a candle that’s flickering- not one one that you’re blowing out.” Or use the 5-4-3-2-1 method.
Five things you can see. Four things you can touch. Three things you can hear. Two things you can smell. And one thing you can taste.
Look for good news. Watch The Lift and the cat videos. “That helps you balance that (elections) aren’t the only reality. There is good news.”
Practice Gratitude. What are you grateful for?
Tend and befriend. Mary says this is the other part of fight or flight. “Find your community, find those people that you can befriend and tend to others. Number way to make you feel good about yourself is helping others.”