Were you up all last night anticipating Election Day? Are you biting your nails and frantically checking news outlets for election numbers? I know I sure am. But there are some ways to squash all those crazy fears, made up scenarios and what ifs. Here are some ways you can temporarily reduce your Election Day anxiety.
Meditate.
If you find your mind racing, as it’s common on the day of what may be the most important election of our lifetimes, meditating is a great way to slow your intruding thoughts. Find a quiet place - I know this is hard to do if your roommates are all working remotely but just try. I always use my room because I can close the door. Tell your roommates that you are taking time for yourself so they know not to interrupt. Sit on a mat or on your bed and relax your muscles. For me, a simple session of deep breaths will do, but there are tons of meditating apps out there such as Headspace, Mesmerize, and Calm available in the app store.
Take breaks from checking the news.
This is so so important. I've personally been avoiding the news entirely because it's become such a trigger for me, but I try to stay informed. For others, it is too easy to stay glued to their screens today. It is natural to want to know the projections at every second, but sometimes it can make us lose hope if the results aren’t going the way we want.
If you are angered at Trump flags, ignore them.
If this is a trigger for anyone else, I feel your pain. Watching endless trucks covered in Trump memorabilia for years now can become especially overwhelming on voting day. As our country continues to polarize, it is vital that we don’t let our emotions rather than logic, fuel our actions. It is easy to get angry at someone’s open enthusiasm for a candidate who embodies and encourages racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and ableism. But we must remember our strong values and not sink to that level. We are better than that and we will overcome.
Use your emotions for good, instead.
If you are passionate about electing empathetic leaders, who will guide us through tragedies and not snicker at them, then join textbanking. There are many organizations that are getting people involved in getting out the vote, and you can be part of the movement! Some websites include demvolctr.org, demandthevote.com, act.represent.us, and indivisible-ma.org/textbanking/.
Text your friends and family to go and vote.
Besides using textbanking websites to message random voters in swing states, text the people who care about you or you have a special connection with. Most people have their mind up already, but those remaining generally turn to those closest to them for suggestions. Be there for them to share your voice and why voting is important to you. You can’t always convince people to vote, but sharing that personal story can sometimes move people to take action.
If applicable, offer your friends rides to the polls.
Not everyone has easy access to transportation, but for those who do, use it for the greater good. If you are lucky enough to have the day off or some time off today and access to a vehicle, think about those people in your life who aren’t voting solely because they would have a hard time getting to the polls. It’s easy to make an excuse not to vote, even if it’s valid, but with the right support system, we can lean on each other to ensure every voice is heard.
Go for a walk.
During pandemic times, we all need to get out of our homes. If you keep checking your phone for news alerts and don't trust you'll ignore them, then literally walk away. Leaving your phone at home for even a brief amount of time and embracing nature’s benefits can be profoundly helpful.
Prepare for the worst, but maintain hope.
After the last election, a lot of us were sure Hillary would win, but we were way wrong. A lot of people are afraid of being duped again and so they are assuming the worst. I don’t blame this mentality at all. We need to remember this could go one way or the other, but do remain hopeful, as change is possible. Usually I am pessimistic, but I believe people see the urgency of voting at this moment, and it shows with the record-breaking early voting numbers.
(I do not own the cover image for this post.)