It's Voting Season! Elect To Take Care Of Yourself!

The election will be over in a few weeks. Everyone seems to be on edge, and many things get put "on hold" until we know who is going to be our next President. Election season can be a whirlwind of emotions and stress. Prioritizing self-care is critical to maintain your emotional well-being during the next few weeks. Here are some tips to help you stay calm, peaceful, and balanced during this time.

Limit Media Consumption

While staying informed is essential, too much news can be overwhelming and contribute to your stress levels. Set a time and a time limit to check news updates. Stick to trusted sources and consult fact-checking websites to verify. Consider taking breaks from social media to avoid unnecessary stress.

Pay Attention To How Things Are Worded

As a hypnotist, I'm very aware of word choices in the news, and you should be, too! There is such a thing as "The Dark Arts of Hypnosis," and media outlets are masters of it. Headlines and articles are constantly written as "news" to subtly sway you to believe certain things about certain people. Sometimes, news organizations omit stories because it doesn't fit their narrative. News organizations often report stories intentionally to chip away at someone's credibility. Be sure to get your news from multiple sources.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help you stay grounded. Spend a few minutes each day meditating, practicing deep breathing exercises, or remembering positive things that have happened to you. This can reduce anxiety and improve your focus.

Stay Active

Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Whether it's a walk, yoga, or a workout, find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. If you work out with others, don't allow politics into your workout experience.

Connect with Others

Reach out to friends and family. Share your thoughts and feelings, and listen to theirs. Meaningful connections can provide comfort and perspective. Focus on "active" experiences where you're part of the action vs "passive" experiences where you're just watching.

Prioritize Rest

Ensure you're getting enough sleep. A well-rested mind is better equipped to handle stress. Create a calming bedtime routine to help you wind down. I recently invested in a soft sleep mask with Bluetooth speakers. I enjoy falling asleep and listening to positive affirmations.

Engage in Hobbies

Dedicate time to activities you love. Whether it's reading, crafting, or cooking, engaging in hobbies can be a welcome distraction and boost your mood. I'm a crochet fiend and spend my downtime making fun little projects.

Set Boundaries

Know your limits and set boundaries with conversations or activities that increase stress. It's okay to step back and protect your peace. I love my friends, but I've temporarily stepped away from the overly political ones. I call it "election deflection."

Focus On What You Can Control

Depending on your belief system, whoever is elected will impact your future. Unfortunately, all you can do is vote and hope the outcome works in your favor. This can cause you to worry about your future...and the future hasn't happened yet. Find peace in focusing on what you can control and learn to let go of what you can't.

By incorporating these self-care practices, you can navigate election season with a clearer mind and a calmer spirit.