Another Election Year: A Guide to Protecting Your Peace
Election years can be… intense. The constant stream of political news, debates, and discussions can easily become overwhelming. It’s very important to find ways to stay informed and engaged while also protecting your mental and emotional health. Here are some tips to help you cope ahead during the upcoming months.
Give Yourself Permission to Unplug
Keeping up with every twist and turn of the election cycle can be exhausting. Give yourself permission to step back.
Take a Social Media Break: Sometimes, the best thing to do is to log out. Social media can be a hub for misinformation and heated exchanges, which can drain your energy. Take a break and focus on the real world around you instead of doom scrolling through all of your feeds and timelines.
Disconnect from the News: You don’t have to follow every headline. Frequent news consumption can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. In 2017, a study published in the Journal of Media Psychology showed that the consumption of hard news television programs has a negative effect on the development of mental well-being over time. If staying informed is important to you, consider limiting your news intake to 1-2 days a week.
Skip the Debates: Missing a debate won’t disqualify you from voting. You can opt out of watching. Or, you can catch the highlights (or lowlights) later and on your own terms and time.
Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries
You don’t have to engage in political conversations if they make you uncomfortable. It’s perfectly fine to tell someone, “I don’t have the capacity for this today. Let’s talk about something else.”
You Don’t Owe Anyone an Explanation: You’re not obligated to explain why you’re voting the way you are, or why you’re not voting for a particular candidate. Avoid discussions that feel like bait. It's not your responsibility to educate others on your beliefs and ethics – especially people who have societal privilege and power (and access to Google). If someone presses you for your opinion, tell them you are not interested in the conversation. Many conversations about politics are not about learning — they’re about provoking and “winning.” Your peace is more important than that.
Advocate: It is possible to stand up for your beliefs while also maintaining clear boundaries. For instance, you could say, "I don't support [issue/policy/candidate] as it poses harm to [cause/community]. For more details, please refer to [resource/website]. I won’t be discussing this further."
Seek Out Safe Spaces
Election years can bring out heightened emotions and hostility, especially directed at marginalized communities. It is essential to surround yourself with people who make you feel safe and valued.
Community Matters: Spend time with people who make you feel seen and heard. Engage with communities that offer support and understanding.
Remember You are Multifaceted: You have hobbies, interests, and a life outside of politics. Don’t forget to indulge in activities that bring you joy and help you recharge.
Plan Ahead for Election Week
As the election draws near, the stress levels tend to rise. Planning ahead can help you stay ahead of the chaos.
Avoid the Comment Section: It’s hard to find hope in the comments section. Comments are usually filled with arguments and misinformation. Do yourself a favor and skip it entirely.
Take Time Off: If possible, consider taking PTO around the election to give yourself space to process and relax.
Plan Ahead for Daily Needs: If stress tends to disrupt your routine, get ahead of it. Do your grocery shopping, meal prepping, and house cleaning in advance so you can focus on self-care and resting instead.
If You Plan to Vote: Don’t wait until the last minute! If you are voting in-person, try to avoid the busiest times – the mid-day lunch hour and after-work rush from 4:30-7:00pm. If you are voting through an absentee ballot, make sure it is filled out and mailed well in advance.
Surviving the election year doesn’t mean tuning out completely – it’s about finding a balance that keeps you informed without compromising your emotional health. By unplugging when needed, setting firm boundaries, and coping ahead, you can navigate this time with greater peace and resilience. Remember, your mental health matters just as much as your vote