Having a self care plan this election day doesn’t necessarily mean you are neglecting the political process or its importance. For most, it can be a brief but essential switch in priorities considering the amount of energy, time and focus that has been spent thinking about who the next President will be. After a year full of loss, violence, uncertainty and pain, adapting some grounding and wellness practices into your everyday routine can help alleviate stress. Regardless of how things go this November 3 and days that follow, these self care tips can help you through unpredictable times.
1. Turn Off the News When it Becomes Too Much
It sounds impossible, especially because we have access to news at the tips of our fingers, but turning off the television on election night even for a few hours can make a world of difference. Watching updates every second and refreshing your Twitter timeline every minute will likely only add to your election night anxiety. Knowing when to take a break and unplug can be beneficial, and ultimately reduce some stress. Not checking social media while you’re unplugged can also help with anxiety, and you can always remind yourself it’ll be there in an hour.
2. Prepare in Advance
Getting a full night’s rest, staying hydrated and even spending time outside can help prepare you mentally for election night. Allowing time to reconnect with your mind, body and soul after everything it has likely been through in the last four years can make tonight’s news, whatever it may be, easier to bare. Easing up on the “doom scrolling,” listening to your favorite music and turning off social media notifications are all ways to prepare yourself for the election results.
3. Surround yourself with friends and family
COVID-19 has kept so many of us away from our loved ones, and election night is no exception to the new norm. However, there are other ways to ensure you feel support from friends and family whether it’s to cry, vent, scream or laugh. Scheduling a zoom call with some of your closest friends to watch the election results roll in can imitate the real feeling of being together, or even staying in contact throughout the night with those loved ones and sharing your feelings can help you feel supported. Being honest about the weight of the election on your conscience not only to yourself but to others you trust as well, can inspire calming conversations and let others know how you’re doing.
4. Know and Set Your Limits
Understanding the emotional toll the election may be having on you can be a helpful tactic on deciding some Do’s and Don’t of election night. This election is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s a good idea to brace yourself for the days to come. Here are some questions to think about our personal limits, and whether or not new ones should be set:
-What time are you going to make sure you’ve eaten dinner?
-What time are you going to bed?
-How are you going to remind yourself to drink water?
-What are some personal triggers to look out for as the night unfolds? How will you respond to them?
5. Take Stock of Your Feelings
This way one may seem obvious, but now more than ever it is essential to be in touch with your emotions and to be honest with yourself when things don’t feel right. Creating a plan for when you feel this way, whether it’s calling a friend, distracting yourself with work, fixing your favorite snack or journaling, responding to these emotions with positive stimuli can help you work through them. Other practices like meditation and coherent breathing can also help realign your emotions and keep you grounded.
A quick list of support hotlines to consult if you find yourself in crisis:
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 (For LGBTQ youth ages 13-24)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (online chat available)
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
