Staying Grounded During Election Season: Tips for Self-Care and Empowerment
With election season approaching, many of us feel an undercurrent of tension creeping in. This time around, the stakes feel especially high, and the stress seems to be running on full throttle across the political spectrum. It might be the uncertainty around policy changes we care about, the nonstop flood of news, or even charged conversations with friends and family that leave us feeling stuck in worry mode. Here, we’ll explore ways to ease some of that stress so it doesn’t take up more space in our lives than it deserves.
Why Is This Election So Stressful?
Elections are always tense, but this one is unique in several ways. Many people feel that the stakes are especially high this year, with issues that feel intensely personal, touching on everything from health and education to safety and economic well-being. The resulting polarization can create a feeling of “all or nothing,” which heightens stress and can make the election feel like an all-encompassing challenge.
The constant 24/7 media cycle adds to this pressure, with news coverage more accessible than ever. This continuous influx of information—much of it focused on conflict and division—makes it hard to step away and gain perspective. Staying updated can feel essential, yet the relentless nature of news today often leaves us feeling more anxious than informed.
Social media also adds a unique layer of tension. Election-related posts, memes, and debates are everywhere, filling our feeds and sometimes sparking intense arguments and frustration, or reminding us of worries that we are trying to set aside. It’s easy to feel trapped in this social loop, where opinions seem louder and emotions run higher, especially when those opinions clash with our own values.
For many, these stressors are compounded by impacts on personal relationships. Differences of opinion within families or friend groups can feel deeply personal and create divides that leave us feeling hurt, misunderstood, or disconnected. In a time when we crave unity and stability, these stresses can make the election feel all-consuming.
Tips for Managing Election Stress
Curate Your Social Media Feeds: One way to take control of what you’re exposed to is by curating your social media. Unfollow accounts that provoke anger or anxiety and follow those that provide calm, balanced perspectives. This simple step can help reduce stress, as social media algorithms often amplify divisive or sensational content that might intensify feelings of frustration or worry. If you want to continue following these accounts, try muting them temporarily, or have two accounts where only one is following media that provokes intense emotions, so that you can view these things more intentionally and avoid it when needed.
Set Boundaries on News Consumption: Decide in advance how often and how long you’ll spend consuming news each day. Staying informed is important, but constant news exposure isn’t necessary. Try a “news check-in” once or twice daily instead of scrolling for hours. Choosing reliable, balanced sources can also provide information without sensationalism.
Acknowledge Change and Stability: With so much at stake, it’s normal to feel nervous about what might change after the election. But even when certain issues feel uncertain, many things in our lives will remain constant: family, friends, hobbies, and the values that shape who we are. Recognizing this balance can ease the feeling of uncertainty.
Take Time for Self-Care: Election season can make us feel like we have to be “on” all the time, ready to jump into the latest news. But it’s okay—and healthy—to step back. Lean into activities that bring you joy and give you a break from it all. Whether that’s a hobby, exercise, or time with people you love, these moments of self-care are like mini-vacations for the mind. These things can also help to remind us that as important and impactful as the election is, there are other important parts of our life as well.
Practice Mindfulness: Tuning into the present moment helps counteract the tendency to fixate on worries about the future. Simple practices like deep breathing, journaling, or using a mindfulness app can be powerful tools to help you feel more centered. If those activities don’t feel helpful, a good alternative can be focusing your attention on your present activity — what sights, sounds, scents, physical feelings, and tastes are you noticing right now?
Limit Political Conversations: Some people find that election season creates tension in their personal relationships. It’s okay to set boundaries about political conversations, especially with those who don’t share your views. You can politely redirect conversations when needed or just say you’re taking a break from election discussions. Sometimes, giving these topics a little space can help keep our connections and our peace of mind intact.
Identify What You Can Control: Election stress often comes from a sense of helplessness. Focus on actions that make you feel empowered, like voting, staying informed about the issues, participating in community initiatives, or managing parts of your daily life. Recognizing where you can have an impact and where you need to let go can alleviate stress and help you feel more grounded.
Seeking Support
If election stress feels like it’s getting to be too much, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out to friends, family, or even colleagues for support can help more than we often realize, especially if they are people who share your concerns and thoughts.
And if the stress is impacting your daily life or if it could be helpful to talk with someone outside your social circle, therapy can be a good step. Therapy can offer a place to explore your worries, set boundaries, and build up tools to handle the tension. You might also find that other resources, like meditation groups, supportive online communities, or mindfulness apps, can provide a sense of calm and connection.
Wishing you peace and connection as we move through this election season!
