Creative Ways to Handle Election Stress (Because Let's Face It, We Need Them)

 

Creative Ways to Handle Election Stress (Because Let's Face It, We Need Them)

Election seasons can feel like an endless cycle of anxiety, a political stress rollercoaster we can't escape. It's like being trapped in a never-ending Twitter argument, but with worse punctuation and more existential dread. But fear not, friends! There are ways to cope, even when it feels like the world is losing its collective mind.

Embrace Your Inner Artist (Even If You Can't Draw a Straight Line)

Get creative! Paint, draw, or sculpt your feelings. You don't have to be good at it. In fact, the worse you are, the more hilarious it might be. Imagine a stick figure of a politician with a bright orange face and a hairdo that resembles a startled cat. Laughter is the best medicine, right?

Learn Something New (That Has Absolutely Nothing to Do with Politics)

Always wanted to learn how to knit, play the harmonica, or cook exotic dishes? Now's the time! Engage your brain with a new hobby that has zero to do with current events. Think of it as a mental escape pod from the political chaos.

Channel Your Feelings into Action (But Not the Kind That Involves Yelling at Strangers)

Feeling helpless is stressful. Counteract this by volunteering for a cause you care about. Helping others gives you a sense of control and purpose. Plus, it's a great way to meet like-minded folks who won't drive you to drink (unless that's your chosen coping mechanism, and we won't judge).

Get Your Body Moving (But Only If It Wants To)

Exercise is great, but let's be real, sometimes the only "workout" you can manage is from the couch to the fridge and back. That counts too! Do what feels good for your body. If that's yoga, awesome. If it's just stretching to reach the remote, that's okay too.

The Dark Side: Election Stress and Mental Health

Let's get real for a moment. Election stress is no joke. Research shows that elections can have real consequences for our mental health, leading to increases in anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse. This isn't about being "dramatic" – it's about acknowledging that the constant stream of political news and discourse can take a serious toll.

In fact, one study found that following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, there were marked increases in stress and anxiety, even among people who didn't seem directly affected by the outcome. This suggests that the mere atmosphere of political tension can have far-reaching effects.

Substance Abuse and Election Stress: A Dangerous Mix

For those struggling with substance use disorders, election stress can be particularly hazardous. A study on social stress and substance abuse found that increased stress can be a major trigger for relapse. When we feel overwhelmed and powerless, turning to substances can seem like an easy escape.

Finding Hope Amidst the Chaos

So, what's the antidote to all this election stress? Connection is key. Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed. Research shows that social support can be a powerful buffer against election-related stress.

Remember, it's okay to not be okay right now. But also remember that you're part of a larger community navigating this wild ride together. By finding creative outlets for our stress and prioritizing our mental health, we can get through this, one day at a time.-Belle-