Four Tips to Reduce Election Related Stress

Regardless of your political affiliation , this years elections have pitted friends and family against each other in subtle and no so subtle ways. Never have we collectively seen such emotional intensity and rawness during election season.

If you are finding yourself overwhelmed by this election season, there are some pressure lowering activities that might help. Here are four tips to reduce election related stress.

Remember to Breathe

During stressful times, we tend to hold our breath causing excessively shallow breathing. When we breath in this manner for a period of time we are sending the message to our nervous system that we are in danger. This creates anger, agitation and anxiety. By deepening and slowing the breath we can remind ourselves that we are safe. And in this moment we are.

Stop the Presses!

Take an entire day and detox from the constant negative and fearful input. There’s nothing that will happen during the course of a day that's truly urgent. And if something truly urgent happens, someone will most likely notify you.

Go outside

Look at the sky, the trees, the little creatures who live in the moment. Touch the trees who exist in a grounded state. They will remain where they are regardless of who lives in the White House for the next four years.

Community Contribution

Finally, think about ways in which you can positively contribute to your community for the next four years. What actions can you take that will leave a path of kindness behind you?

Ask the Question: What kind of legacy do you want to leave on the path you walk. One of anger and distrust, or one of generosity, empathy and love.

Remember, although we can’t always control how our elected officials behave or the character they display, we can always choose to elevate our engagement and bring kindness and warmth to those around us. And when we do this, we will rest easier and recognize how our love and positivity impacts those around us.