How to Cope with Election Day Stress: Protect Your Mental Health

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In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

• How to manage Election Day stress with mindfulness and grounding practices
• The benefits of setting boundaries on news and social media consumption
• Ways to focus on what you can control to maintain emotional balance
• How Mountains Therapy NJ can support your mental well-being during election season

With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as the key candidates in the 2024 presidential race, emotions are running high across the nation. This 2024 Election Day is particularly intense, with two high-profile candidates representing contrasting visions for the country’s future.

At Mountains Therapy, we recognize how election season can challenge your mental health. Below, we share essential strategies for managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being on Election Day, including tips on navigating the news and social media.

1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Emotions

Election Day, with candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in the running, can bring out intense emotions. Many people feel a range of emotions, from excitement and hope to anxiety or even fear. Recognizing your feelings without judgment is a healthy first step. Try talking with someone you trust, writing in a journal, or practicing a quick self-compassion exercise to help you process these emotions.

2. Set Boundaries on News and Social Media Consumption

On a day as charged as Election Day, constant news and social media updates can lead to information overload, intensifying feelings of stress and worry. Here’s how you can navigate news and social media for a healthier mental space.

Limit Your Check-Ins:

Consider designating specific times to check election updates rather than following coverage all day. This approach helps you stay informed without overwhelming yourself.

Mute Certain Keywords and Accounts:

On platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, muting keywords or accounts can minimize exposure to potentially triggering content. For instance, if you find discussions about Harris or Trump too overwhelming, muting their names can give you some peace.

Fact-Check Before Reacting:

In the fast-paced online world, misinformation can quickly spread. Stick to reliable news sources, and avoid reacting to headlines alone. Fact-checking before sharing or reacting to news can prevent unnecessary stress.

Be Mindful of Emotional Triggers:

Notice which types of news or social media interactions impact you most. If specific posts or conversations lead to anxiety, consider stepping away or muting content temporarily. Social media breaks can be particularly helpful, allowing you to re-center yourself and focus on what truly matters to you.

By being selective about your media consumption, you’ll feel more in control and less vulnerable to the emotional roller coaster that often accompanies Election Day.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

The outcome of an election involving candidates like Harris and Trump can feel monumental, which can make Election Day feel overwhelming. Shift your focus to things you can control: voting, connecting with loved ones, or doing activities that bring you joy. Small acts, like cooking a favorite meal, reading, or enjoying time in nature, can offer comfort and a sense of stability.

4. Engage in Mindfulness and Grounding Practices

Mindfulness can help ease heightened emotions, especially when checking in on election updates. Try deep breathing exercises, a short nature walk, or even a five-minute meditation. Practicing mindfulness after each news check-in can prevent emotional buildup and help you approach Election Day with a clearer, more centered perspective.

5. Lean on Your Support System

Talking with friends or family members about Election Day stresses or other non-political topics can offer comfort and distraction. If you feel especially anxious, having an empathetic listener can help you process your emotions. Professional support, such as speaking with a therapist, can provide tailored tools to help you stay balanced, especially during emotionally charged events like this election.

6. Create a Post-Election Self-Care Plan

As Election Day results unfold, planning a few relaxing or fulfilling activities for afterward can help you process the outcome, no matter the result. Whether it’s scheduling a call with friends, taking time for your favorite hobby, or practicing gratitude, a post-election self-care plan can give you something positive to look forward to in the days that follow.

The 2024 election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is a high-stakes event, but your mental health doesn’t have to suffer as a result. By setting boundaries on news and social media, practicing mindfulness, and focusing on things you can control, you can navigate Election Day with resilience. At Mountains Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping you find balance and mental well-being during challenging times.

Call to Action

Feeling the weight of Election Day? Reach out to Mountains Therapy for support and resources to help you manage stress and embrace mental well-being this election season.

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