Mental health experts say this high-stakes election has put the common public under a lot of pressure, due to the tactics used by the political parties while campaigning
A large number of Americans say they are feeling stressed and anxious by the presidential election as tensions continue to mount in the final countdown to Election Day. Voters across all states have expressed nervousness and angst as Republican and Democrat nominees Donald Trump and Kamala Harris finish their campaigns.
According to mental health experts, this high-stakes election has put the common public under a lot of pressure, due to the tactics used by the political parties while campaigning for their candidates. And so, there is a need for those experiencing stress and anxiety to keep these in check, through simple tips that they can follow:
Exercise
While exercise and workouts are generally good for both physical and mental health, experts believe during stressful times, indulging in physical activities can help calm you down.
According to psychologists, do not neglect your daily self-care routines which must include walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, other than your daily work or household chores. These activities not only make you active but are also pleasurable for your brain.
Maintain boundaries
While political discussions can end up breaking relationships, it is not necessary to reach that point. Experts say to try to establish some boundaries for your own mental health and well-being.
Have pleasurable discussions with an open mind without constantly judging the other person. Also, it is important to listen to the other’s point of view the same way you want them to understand yours. Also, just let go of things said during a discussion and do not take it to heart.
Stay off or limit social media
Social media tends to form opinions – which when not heard or understood can lead to a lot of stress, anxiety, depression, and even violent urges.
And so, according to experts, news or opinions from the internet should only be used to get information and not validation. Do not try to your identity or your own mental health to what is playing on the television or your phone screening.
Doctors are warning people about doomscrolling - the act of spending an excessive amount of time reading large quantities of news, particularly negative news, on the web and social media – which easily feeds negativity. So, it is important to set a timer on social media apps to limit doomscrolling and setting boundaries on phone notifications.
Keep your phone on silent or away from you whenever you are with friends or eating meals at the dining table, as it can cause a lot of distractions.
Avoid talking politics
While it is one of the best ways to educate yourself on the topic, discussing politics everywhere should be avoided. During election time, tense conversations rule the roost – spiking stress and anxiety levels.
Election stress heightens in kids
According to statistics, it is not just the adults who are feeling election-related anxiety, but even those who are not actively participating through their votes. Experts say seeing their parents, even children feel depressed.
“Parents should discuss the emotions of election season with their children,” Dr. Matt Edelstein, a clinical psychologist with the Kennedy Krieger Institute, told CBS News. "Acknowledge their stress as it validates their feelings and helps them connect what they are feeling to what's really happening in the world," he added. Edelstein also suggests managing overwhelming media exposure.
"What's important is that we explain our emotions to our kids and model how we can have emotions and still be regulated and rational," he said.
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