Combating the Election Day Blues: Tips from a Psychotherapist

It’s Election Day in Maryland.   Here in the suburbs of Washington, DC, the connection between our daily lives and politics is more apparent than in most places.  Our anxiety about what’s to come can be greater, too.   

Here are our tips for assuaging your fears on Election Day.

1. Practice Mindfulness

Bring yourself into the present moment and focus on your breath, your body, your senses.  This is one moment in an endless span of time.   Be in it.

2. Resist the Temptation to Predict the Future

We all have assumptions about what the election of one person or another will do for (to?) our country, state, town, or county.   Remember that we don’t yet know, and you have the power to continue advocating for what you want regardless of who is elected.

3. Help Someone Else

Drive someone to the polls.  Volunteer at a nonprofit that represents your values.  Teach your children about democracy and the importance of voting.  Spend time with a friend or neighbor.   Do something loving for a family member.

4. Put Down your Smartphone

This one is really a tip for every day.  Reading the headlines all day without an immediate opportunity to take action can create a sense of hopelessness.  Instead, set aside time to read the news at the end of the day and take a small action to build the world you’d like to live in at that time.   (Tip:  Move the Facebook app and other streaming news feeds off of the home screen and disable notifications so you have to go looking for them to access your feed.   You’ll be amazed to discover how your habits change!)

5. Seek Inspiration

Consider what you appreciate about the country/state/county you live in and spend time focusing on it.   Love art or music?   Wear your “I voted” sticker to your favorite gallery or concert hall or show your children a favorite piece and try to copy it with Play Doh, fingerpaint, or toy instruments.

6. Envision the Positive

Imagine what your world would be like if all of the policies you’d like to see were actually in place.   Vote according to this vision today, and live according to it the rest of the year. 

Bonus:  Ask your children about the kind of world they’d like to live in.   Remember that they’ll be enacting this vision for years to come.

If the election anxiety is feeling out of control and you’d like some support, give us a call at 240-242-5185. We’re happy to do a one-time stress management session or fit in an extra visit to keep your coping on track.