How to Reduce Election Day Nervousness
Does the midway pick increase your stress level? I feel you. Our current political climate is forcing all of us to drink more and, according to a new poll, even encouraging some voters to “eat their feelings, ” which is not the best way to combat this problem.
Aside from voting (you’ve already voted or are planning to do so, right?), There are a few other proactive steps you can take to relieve stress and stop worrying.
Play a game
Recent research suggests that playing Tetris – yes, Tetris – can help us deal with periods of anxiety. This is partly due to how addicting the game is. When you focus on where you are going to drop the next block, you enter what psychologists call “flow,” according to NPR .
Playing Tetris that requires your attention can help take your mind off a stressful event, such as a midway point, and ease your anxiety.
If games are not for you, think of another activity you can do to achieve this meaningless “flow.” Whether it’s gardening, cleaning the house, or even walking the dog, the idea here is to find something to briefly distract you and your mind from the catastrophe our country is rapidly becoming.
Meditate
The Headspace meditation app recently released a Political Package to help users deal with the upcoming elections. The Collection of Short and Long Meditations is free to use and includes a range of two-part meditations to help you deal with the stress and anxiety surrounding middle classes.
Disable news
I am in no way suggesting that you stay out of the loop with this, but if the news makes you nervous every night, try changing the situation and go for a walk instead. Sometimes we all need a little break. Get to know yourself and find out when the news gets too overwhelming for you and take a break.
And if all this fails, there is always tequila.