Calm Your Nerves in the Lead up to Election Day
Blue mask on top of a purple election ballot return envelope.
At the time of writing, 40 million+ people have already voted early. News media report show voters waiting in line in some states for over 11 hours. Fake (aka “unofficial”) ballot boxes are showing up in California. All around the country, people are holding their breath for the results from this year’s Presidential election. There’s no question about it — anxiety is high. And A LOT is riding on this year’s election.
For half the country, the 2016 Presidential election was traumatic. And our bodies remember trauma. It holds onto the feelings and experiences of that past event. As we get closer to the Nov. 3rd election date, we might already be experiencing this trauma — physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Perhaps it’s showing up physically as heartburn, migraines, back pain, or shoulder tensions. Or we’re noticing that we feel more depressed or anxious. Or we just burst out crying in the middle of a meeting or dinner.
If this sounds like something you’re going through, remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Millions of people are most likely going through the same thing. And here are some strategies that will help you calm your nerves in the lead up to Nov. 3rd.
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment”. What are some ways that you can slow down your heartbeat or take deeper breaths? Practices like tai chi or a meditation can come in handy. Mindfulness activities can also take the form of gardening, coloring, writing, sewing, cooking, or driving. What’s one practice that you can engage in daily?
Emergency self-care kit. What healthy coping mechanisms can you turn to? Most of our self-care strategies are great for the day to day. For example, if reading a book is usually part of your self-care practice, it might not work effectively if you get triggered by something on the news. In fact, when you get triggered, the last thing you might want to do is read a book. What coping mechanisms can you engage in? It might be turning off the news. Or letting out your frustrations on a punching bag. Or taking a walk with your dog.
Give yourself a break. Meet yourself where you’re at. This is not a time to be judgmental about eating that extra bag of chips or not going on a bike ride. Remind yourself that this is 2020 and that you’re doing the best you can with what you’ve been handed.
Self-care is important. It’s not just for your health but it’s what will keep you going in the long-term. Ruth Bader Ginsburg continued her gym workouts (even at the age of 87!) up until the end.
If you’re a social justice activist like me, you know that the results of the Election is only one battle. Systemic oppression and White supremacy won’t go away with just the election. We know that we’re in this fight for the long haul, and that this is a journey. So take care of yourself, calm your nerves, and settle in for the ride.