Post-Election Mental Health Care Strategies to Reduce Stress
Elections, especially this last one, can be highly charged events that induce a roller coaster of emotions including anticipation, anxiety, hope, and frustration. Regardless of the outcome, the period following an election often leaves people feeling drained, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Additional stress can occur from being at odds with loved ones and trying to navigate the election outcomes within your close personal circles. These potentially stressful circumstances can have a big impact on our mental health, so we wanted to share some integrative strategies to help you restore balance and take care of your well-being post-election.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s natural to experience a mix of emotions after an election. Instead of pushing them aside, take a moment to sit with what you feel. Whether it’s relief, anger, sadness, or joy, acknowledging your emotional response is the first step in processing it healthily.
Consider Limiting Your News Intake for a Brief Time
Post-election analysis and commentary can be constant and overwhelming. Set boundaries for your media consumption to avoid burnout. Try designating specific times of the day to catch up on updates, or take a complete digital detox to reset your mental space.
Reconnect with Your Values
Engage in activities that align with your core values. Whether it’s volunteering for a cause, participating in community events, or simply spending time with loved ones, grounding yourself in actions that matter to you helps rebuild or sustain a sense of purpose and direction.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
Stress and anxiety have likely been riding high and may continue to do so after election outcomes. This stress impacts mental clarity and body tension among other things. Integrative practices such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided meditation can calm your mind and soothe tension. Even a few minutes a day of walking or sitting quietly or taking a few slow deep breaths can make a significant difference. Click here for a 3-minute breath re-balancing guided meditation.
Connect to Your People in Supportive Ways Post-Election Season
Spend time with friends and loved ones who understand your experiences and share a sense of compassion. Open conversations in safe spaces can provide comfort and reaffirm that you are not alone in processing post-election emotions. If you find yourself with people who have different political views, it’s ok to ask for a “cease fire” of sorts where you agree not to debate the issues for a while in order to reconnect in ways that feel safe and supportive.
Seek Professional Support if Needed
Sometimes the stress can feel heavier than expected. If post-election stress lingers and impacts daily functioning, it may be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional. Integrative approaches can include talk therapy, nutritional support, and techniques tailored to soothe the mind and body. Feel free to reach out to us at 385-272-4292 to see how we can support you during this time.
Elections will come and go, but your mental health is an ongoing journey. Prioritizing self-care and fostering supportive relationships will empower you to face challenges with greater calm and confidence.
