How you can avoid being over-stressed by the election
LOS ANGELES - A survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 52 percent of Americans, regardless of party, find the 2016 election to be a “very big” or “significant” source of stress. That stress isn’t going away either. Sore winners and sore losers will be ever present at supermarkets, the workplace and our homes through the holidays.
So how can you avoid election stress?
Take a digital break from social media and 24 hour news feeds.
Take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy. Even a simple walk can relieve stress.
Sometimes we already know where conversations are heading, so avoid them if you know they’ll escalate quickly. It’s OK to set boundaries.
Get a massage. Many spas are offering election detoxes and specials.
You’re not the only one stressed. Know your audience and how long you’re on your soapbox. If you’re antagonizing, you may be asking for your own medicine.
Channel your stress into volunteer work in your community.
Take deep breaths to reduce levels of stress hormones.
Keep a balanced perspective. It isn’t the end of the world. We get to do this all again in four years.
And, of course, vote! You’ll be taking a proactive step, and it’s one of your most important rights as a citizen.
Even if you feel like you’re losing your country, you don’t have to lose your mind.