Americans are a diverse bunch with lots of different values and priorities. The tension overlaying this election season has highlighted this fact. There is something that the majority of us have in common, though. We’re managing a fair measure of election stress.

If the upcoming vote has you feeling tense, it’s time to get proactive about protecting your wellbeing. Here are three tips to manage election stress that can help. 

#1: Get your ballot done early

None of us can control the outcome of the election. We can, however, control our participation in it. 

In California, we have the option to vote by mail. You’ve probably already received your ballot. Make a plan to dedicate some time to completing that ballot and getting it back in the mail. To manage stress while you do that, you might want to set a calming mood (e.g., light a candle, make a cup of soothing tea). 

Getting your ballot submitted can help you feel like you’ve done your part, making it easier to move your mind away from the upcoming vote count. You will have done everything you can, so you might have an easier time releasing at least some of your election stress. Remember, avoidance typically increases any symptoms of anxiety. Getting your ballot in early can help in alleviating some of the anticipatory stress we may be battling. 

#2: Stick with your wellness and self-care routine

Making healthy lifestyle choices and prioritizing self-care that works for you can make a big difference in an otherwise stressful season. This is an important time to try to eat a healthy diet, stay consistent with your favorite form of exercise, and stick with your sleep schedule. All of these things make a direct difference in your mental health.

If you’re looking for some additional self-care practices to work in to help you manage election stress, we have a few suggestions:

• Breathing exercises
• DIY art therapy
• Going for a walk
• Yoga poses for relaxation

#3: Enforce healthy boundaries

If election stress feels overwhelming, it’s time to construct and enforce some boundaries that help you feel more psychologically safe.

For starters, that means setting boundaries around your news consumption. You might limit how much time you spend watching TV, reading newspapers, or even scrolling social media if your feed is pretty election-heavy.

Additionally, you might set boundaries around conversations that could trigger election stress. Honesty can help here. If someone starts to bring up a sensitive issue, you might say, “I’ve been feeling pretty stressed about the election. Could we talk about something else?”

These are a few general suggestions to help. If your level of election stress is interfering with your quality of life, talking to a therapist can help you get more personalized tools to manage it. To get started, contact us at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center in Ventura or the West Valley Counseling Center in Tarzana.