Gayle HI usually like to do blogs that have an overriding message that you can use in your regular daily lives. And, while the following quick stress management strategies are certainly ones to be employed any day of the week, I IMPLORE you to use them on one specific day next week.
Election Day. Tuesday. November 3rd. 2020.
Because 2020 hasn’t already had enough stressors for us all! Now we have the absolute craziest, most anticipated, most talked about, most decisive, most anger filled, most contentious election for President of the United States that most of us have experienced. Ever. In our lives.
There is so much BIGNESS to this situation that I find myself having difficulty getting my arms around even a small portion of what is up for grabs. Health, economy and diversity are probably the front runners, but there are so many other issues! Global issues, climate, positioning with the rest of the world, oh my!
Not to mention the general state of our country – divided points of view not only at the highest levels but within our friends and family circles.
Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the fact that while the winner impacts all I’ve mentioned above, we may actually be heading into months of question, debate and fighting over exactly who the winner is!!
Anyone else feeling a little stress about what’s about to go down?
I can not emphasize strong enough how important it will be for your physical, mental and social health to find ways to keep your stress levels as low as possible next Tuesday!
PLEASE – do not gloss over this as a ‘nice to have’ and feel you are too busy to pay attention to yourself. I beg you.
Here are 3 strategies you can use to help deal with the stress of Election Day. Pick one, pick two or employ all 3, whatever works for you. But please, at least try one.
And these are for everyone – regardless of what you believe, who you support and how you will cast your vote.
Take Control of What you Can Control – Drop the Things You Cannot Control
What can you control?
– Your vote
– Your point of view
– Your actions
– Your knowledge
– Your tone
You have control over what you believe, how you research your point of view, your behaviors and ultimately your vote.
Be kind. Be educated. Be thoughtful. Be involved.
What can’t you control?
– Other’s beliefs
– Other’s knowledge collection outlets
– Other’s point of view
– Other’s votes
– Other’s actions
– Other’s tone
As much as you may want to change others, don’t understand why they believe what they believe or are agitated by their tone and point of view, you are not in control of these items.
So let them go. Try as hard as you can to focus on what you CAN influence and change. Don’t waste your precious energy on the other stuff.
One great way to do this? Make two lists. On two separate pieces of paper.
List #1 = All those things in your control. See list above.
List #2 = All those things not in your control. See list above.
List #1 – post this in a place that you will always be able to view the items on the list. On your desk. On the fridge. On the TV. On your nightstand to read before you go to bed.
List #2 – burn this list. Get rid of it. Gone. This is a physical representation of letting go of something. You are literally letting the things you cannot control go. Poof. Out of your head. Out of your heart.
Take a Deep Breath
Have you ever noticed that this is always on my list?
Being that I’ve written about the benefits of deep breathing before so I will keep this short and sweet.
When we exhale, our parasympathetic nervous system is activated, releasing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which slows the heart rate and brings us back to homeostasis.
Um, what??????
Basically, when we take a deep inhale, then a long slow exhale, we are telling our bodies to slow down, to relax, that everything is OK.
Yes, this Election Day will be stressful. But we will be OK. We are OK. We will continue to work our best to be OK.
We don’t know what the future holds. So, bring yourself back to the present and focus on doing what’s in your control. Relax in knowing that we will be OK. Whatever OK might mean.
Allow Yourself a ‘Personal Day’
I am already hearing that many companies are giving their employees the day off on Election Day, which I think is fantastic.
Recognizing that many of us (even those with a day off) may still work, I encourage you create a day that is a bit lighter than your usual Tuesday.
What do I mean by lighter? Well, a lighter workload maybe. Or lighter topics (maybe don’t dive into that big strategic project that’s been on your list). Perhaps a mani/pedi day where you read People magazine instead of watching the news? Or watch a movie with the family instead of watching the election results be cut into a million different scenarios at 3pm EST?
Go for a walk. Exercise. Do some yoga. Eat nourishing food. Sleep in. End your day early. Hang with people you love. Read a good fictional book. Maybe read two of my other blogs that will help you slow down and take control:
How to Slow Down When You Feel Overwhelmed
Finding Control When You Feel Out of Control
Set boundaries around watching the news. Listening to election results. Activities that may amplify your stress should be avoided.
Revisit your ‘In Control List’ – make sure you’ve done what you can. And then try to make an enjoyable relaxing day for yourself. This will help you through Tuesday’s election, and perhaps build a healthy foundation for the weeks to come.
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We will come out the other side of this Election Day one way or another. I hope you take the time to ensure your own wellbeing – physically, mentally and socially – for Tuesday and for the future.
I sure do look forward to the topic of my next blog – post election!
Gayle H
