Election Stress? Remember What You're Capable of.

We’re one week away from Election Day.  I’m stressed - are you? 

A majority of people in the United States, regardless of political affiliation, are distressed about the upcoming election.   As the country reckons with 225,000 Americans dead from the coronavirus and a president who refuses to condemn white supremacy, it’s no surprise that Black people and people with chronic health conditions are reporting significantly more stress about the election than in previous years (APA, 2020).  Check out the graphic from the American Psychological Association below:

Election Day will come and go.  There’s a good chance we won’t have a final call until days or weeks afterwards.  So as we wait, I want to remind you of a few things you are capable of. 

1. You can take small actions that have a big impact.  Check in with your friends and family about their voting plans.  Create space for others to talk about their election stress. Make a last-minute donation.  Bring water and snacks to people in line at the polls.  It’s easy to feel stuck when so much is out of your control, but nolite te bastardes carborundorum.

2. You can step away from social media and incessant news coverage.  Social media and news are not inherently bad, but they can become addicting when we’re searching for reassurance or certainty.  Take an hour, an evening, or a day without either and see how you feel.  Trust me, the information you need to know about this election will find you.

3. You can control what your schedule looks like before, during, and after Election Day.  Even if you’re working 80 hours a week, taking care of your three kids, and writing a book, you can still find pockets of the day that are unapologetically yours.  Take a look at what your schedule looks like around the big day and block of some time for soothing or pleasurable activities.  

4. You can sit with uncertainty.  You were alive in March?  And April?  And May and June and July and August and September?  Okay cool.  Because that was the epitome of uncertainty.  It may not have been easy, but you still worked with the information you had to make the best decisions you could at the time.  So please, try to get some sleep on Election Night. 

5. You can - and will - adapt.  Humans are one of the most adaptive species on the planet. You’ve weathered tragedy, loss, unexpected changes, and life-altering events.  You can adapt to whatever happens in this election, because you must. 

As always, take good care of yourself and others during this stressful time.  We will all get through this.