8 Proven Ways to Beat Election Stress and Anxiety
Election season. Two words that, for many, are synonymous with stress, tension, and endless scrolling through news feeds. As if daily life wasn’t challenging enough, election cycles add a special brand of stress that can leave you feeling wound up, on edge, and—let’s be real—emotionally drained. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let election anxiety run the show.
We’re going to dig into why election seasons are so intense and, more importantly, cover a handful of straightforward strategies to help you stay centered and grounded, even as the world around you seems to spin. If you’ve felt yourself getting caught up in the chaos, these tips are for you.
Why Does Election Anxiety Hit So Hard?
Election stress isn’t just “in your head.” It’s a very real response to what can feel like high-stakes drama playing out in front of us, day in and day out. Here are some common factors driving this anxiety:
Constant Media Overload: There’s no shortage of opinions, predictions, and updates filling our feeds, inboxes, and TV screens. This constant flow of information can easily overwhelm our brains, leading to anxiety, irritability, and even physical symptoms of stress.
Uncertain Future: Elections revolve around issues that impact our lives directly—healthcare, jobs, and safety, just to name a few. And not knowing what the future holds is hard for anyone to handle. It’s no wonder we find ourselves on edge.
Divisive Atmosphere: As much as we may want to steer clear of heated discussions, election season often brings divisive conversations that can challenge even the closest relationships. The tension is real, and it’s natural to feel anxious in the middle of it all.
So how do you stay calm and keep from drowning in election stress? By creating a game plan that will help you stay grounded. Let’s dive into some strategies that’ll make a difference.
1. Start with a Simple Morning Routine
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One of the most powerful things you can do to manage stress is to create a morning routine that centers you. Starting your day with a few intentional, calming actions sets the tone for a better day. Here’s how to make it simple:
Begin with Grounding: Whether it’s a quick breathing exercise, a grounding prayer, or a few moments of meditation, give yourself permission to start your day without external noise. Even five minutes can make a big difference.
Set Intentions: Take a moment to think about how you want to feel today. Setting an intention like “I will stay calm no matter what” can give your mind something to focus on, especially when the day gets challenging.
Limit Morning Media: Resist the urge to check the news or social media right away. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour of peace before diving into the information flood.
Even a quick, 5-minute routine can help you feel grounded, centered, and ready to take on the day.
2. Practice Brainspotting to Target Anxiety at Its Core
Let’s talk about Brainspotting, a unique technique that I love for tackling stress at its root. Election stress isn’t just in your mind—it can live in your body too. Brainspotting is a focused way to access that “stuck” stress and release it, making it an effective option for those who want to feel relief, fast.
How It Works: Brainspotting uses specific eye positions to help you connect with and release stress and anxiety. During a one-on-one session, a practitioner can guide you to target those deep-seated feelings, giving your brain and body the space to process and let go of them.
If you’re ready to try it, the Election Anxiety Relief Program starts with a Brainspotting session designed to bring immediate relief. It’s a powerful, science-backed method to calm election anxiety so that you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
3. Use EFT Tapping for Instant Stress Relief
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, is an effective tool for reducing stress, and you don’t need any special skills or tools to do it. Just your hands, a few minutes, and a willingness to try something new.
How to Do It: EFT involves tapping on specific acupressure points—think top of the head, inner eyebrow, under the nose, and so on—while focusing on a particular stressor. Start with a phrase that captures what’s bothering you, like “Even though I’m feeling overwhelmed by election news, I choose to feel calm.” Then, go through each point, tapping gently and repeating this phrase. The process sends calming signals to your brain, releasing tension and anxiety on the spot.
The beauty of EFT is that it’s quick, easy, and works anytime, anywhere. Next time the stress spikes, give it a try.
4. Lean on Your Support System
In times of stress, we often withdraw from others, especially if election topics are causing tension. But leaning on a trusted support system can be incredibly grounding. Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries around certain topics to protect your peace.
Here are a few ways to lean on support:
Reach Out to Trusted Friends or Family: Sometimes, simply voicing your stress to someone who gets it can provide immediate relief. Be clear about what you need, whether it’s a venting session, a listening ear, or a good laugh.
Consider Real-Time Support: In the Election Anxiety Relief Program, you can access on-demand audio coaching, which means you can reach out for support exactly when you need it. This can be a game-changer, especially during high-stress times when quick responses make all the difference.
Whether it’s a loved one or a program designed to keep you grounded, having support during election season can ease the weight of anxiety.
5. Establish Digital Boundaries to Protect Your Mental Health
Let’s face it: the constant news cycle can be a big contributor to stress. There’s only so much information your mind can handle at once. Creating digital boundaries can reduce the overwhelm and protect your mental space.
Set Time Limits: If you find yourself checking the news or social media multiple times a day, try setting a specific time for updates. You could choose to catch up in the morning and evening and avoid tuning in throughout the day.
Silence Notifications: Go a step further by turning off notifications from news apps and social media. This way, you’re in control of when you get information, rather than being bombarded with updates.
Engage in a Digital Detox: Consider stepping away from your devices completely, even if it’s just for a few hours. Use that time for something you enjoy—read a book, take a walk, or try a hobby that helps you unwind.
When you set boundaries around your media consumption, you’re choosing to protect your mental health.
6. Wind Down with a Guided Meditation at Night
Just as it’s important to start the day calmly, how you end it matters too. Guided meditations are an easy, effective way to ease into sleep, especially when stress is keeping you awake.
A quick, soothing meditation can help you release tension from the day, quiet any lingering thoughts, and prepare your body for restful sleep. All it takes is 5-10 minutes to calm your nervous system, signaling to your body and mind that it’s time to rest.
In the Election Anxiety Relief Program, nightly guided meditations are included to help ease you into a peaceful sleep. Give yourself permission to unplug, unwind, and end each day on a calm note.
7. Practice Gratitude to Shift Your Perspective
Practicing gratitude might seem simple, but it has profound effects on mental health. Studies have shown that a regular gratitude practice improves resilience, shifts focus away from negative thoughts and boosts overall happiness.
How to Get Started:
Write Down Three Things You’re Grateful For: Each morning or evening, jot down three things you’re thankful for. These can be big or small—just something positive to redirect your focus.
Reflect on Positive Moments: During times of anxiety, return to your list. Let it remind you of what’s good in your life, even amidst the stress.
Gratitude helps shift your perspective, so you’re focusing on what’s working rather than what’s worrying. Over time, this practice can help you feel calmer and more in control.
When Election Anxiety Feels Unmanageable
If election stress feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. The Election Anxiety Relief Program was created to help you manage stress throughout this season, offering personalized tools and on-demand support that make staying calm and centered achievable.
With an initial Brainspotting session for immediate relief, daily self-paced tools, and access to real-time coaching, this program is designed to help you navigate election season with ease. It’s risk-free—you won’t be charged until you experience the first session and feel the benefits.
Bringing It All Together
Election season can be intense, but it doesn’t have to consume your peace of mind. By starting with simple routines, exploring tools like Brainspotting and EFT, and leaning on support systems, you can find calm amidst the chaos. Try incorporating these practices into your daily life, and if you’re looking for added support, know that the Election Anxiety Relief Program is here to help you every step of the way.
You deserve peace, even during the busiest seasons. Let’s make that happen, starting today.
