Dealing with Election-Related Stress
Feeling anxious about the upcoming U.S. election? You’re not alone. As we anticipate the outcome of the 2024 election, many in our community are apprehensive, worried, and stressed about the potential impact and consequences. Use these tips to navigate your stress and emotions, protect your mental health, and maintain your well-being in the coming weeks and months.
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TIP #1: Unplug
It’s easy to get caught up in the 24-hour, non-stop availability of media. It’s important to stay connected and informed, AND it’s important to unplug and take some time away.
Take a digital break from your devices and spend time away from social media.
Unfollow or mute accounts that are distressing or anxiety-provoking.
Limit your consumption of news and other media.
Schedule brief periods of time to check the news in the morning or evening, rather than throughout the day.
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TIP #2: Be Present
With uncertainty around the outcome of the election, we can find ourselves trying to predict the future, imagining worst-case scenarios, or trying to control what’s happening. Staying in the present moment can help us interrupt our worries and better tolerate uncertainty.
With current events and sociopolitical issues, it’s normal and healthy to be feeling a lot of different emotions. Let yourself feel those feelings without judgment.
Exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences through journal writing can help you make sense of things. Students can attend Therapeutic Journaling with CAPS to learn strategies to practice journaling that promotes mental health and well-being.
Practice mindfulness.
Attend to what’s going on in your body and surroundings with grounding strategies. Try the .
Focus on what you can control and let go of what is not controllable.
Students can attend Stress Busters, a brief workshop with CAPS, to learn four simple tools to take the edge of stress and anxiety. Students can also attend Anxiety Toolbox, a multi-session workshop with CAPS to help you cope with life’s stresses.
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TIP #3: Set Boundaries
Freedom of expression means that we all have the right to share our ideas, views, and opinions; and we must balance that with respect for others to practice their own freedom of expression. Sometimes that means engaging in those conversations and interactions, as difficult as they may be. And sometimes that means we need to set some limits and boundaries in order to take care of ourselves.
Check in with yourself and how you’re feeling so that you can decide what you are able to take on at any given time.
Expect difficult conversations and interactions. Freedom of expression means not everyone will agree. Try to adopt a stance of curiosity by asking yourself what you might learn from those with different viewpoints or values.
Implement effective communication. Use “I” statements and avoid labeling or generalizing.
It’s OK to set clear boundaries with others. “Let’s not talk about politics today.”
It’s OK to take a break from politics or conversations about politics. “I’m just going to step away for a bit” or “Can we talk about something else instead?”
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TIP #4: Practice Self-care
It’s important to restore and refuel yourself to maintain your well-being, especially during times of stress.
Drink water, eat healthy, and get plenty of good sleep and rest.
Watch your caffeine intake and limit your use of alcohol and other substances.
Stay Active. Move your body, stretch, go for a walk or bicycle ride, or any other form of physical activity you like.
Get regular physical activity and exercise by visiting RecWell.
Get outside, be in nature, and enjoy the fresh air. Some local options include:
Do something fun, relaxing, or enjoyable.
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TIP #5: Find Balance
Life comes with stress and challenges, and it’s important that we maintain balance in order to keep ourselves healthy.
Connect and spend time with supportive friends, family, and allies.
Remind yourself of the good in the world. Seek out positive news and stories.
Listen to music that lifts you up or gives you energy.
Students can attend Peace and Vibes Playlist with CAPS to learn how the power of music can influence our mood and feelings.
When feeling stressed, look for media that will bring about positive feelings. Watch a video that makes you laugh, a movie that makes you smile, or an episode that calms you by distracting you.
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TIP #6: Do Something
When things around us feel uncertain, frightening, or chaotic, it can be helpful to do something. Taking meaningful action, no matter how small, can help us to stay motivated, feel less hopeless, and tolerate uncertainty.
Volunteer for a cause or organization that is important to you.
Seek out volunteer opportunities through Kent or
Contribute to your community by becoming involved in local activism, local politics, or national politics. Advocacy can help us feel empowered.
There are many Student Organizations with civic or political engagement. Search for one that fits for you.
Want more suggestions for how to cope and manage stress?
Check out CAPS Self-Help Tools
CREATE A PLAN TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Taking care of yourself and managing stress is an ongoing process, and the impact of an election does not end once the outcome is determined. Take some time to create a plan to take care of yourself.
Create My Plan (this will link to the PDF once finalized)
OTHER RESOURCES
Dialogue and Difference is an ongoing initiative that will engage the community and advance our core values of freedom of expression, respect, and kindness in all that we do. This series of educational programs will feature diverse perspectives and aim to help us better understand each other.
Kent State Votes is a USG-affiliated, university-wide nonpartisan coalition with the goal of trying to get Kent State students more involved and informed when it comes to voting in local, state-wide and federal elections.