Have I ever told you, fall is my favorite season? The beautiful colors the leaves on the trees turn mesmerizes me. The weather is finally cool enough to bake, which is convenient because I love almost anything baked with locally grown apples or pumpkin. And there is just something in the air that makes me want to walk downtown to the farmers market, or find a hiking trail nearby.
Fall is fantastic.
Only fall is also when, every four years, our country faces its most crucial election season. Yards are marked with candidate signs. Social Media is more politically charged than usual. And the news cycles are on a constant rotation of election updates.
The tension feels inescapable.
Add in an upsetting political comment from a loved one, and it may be enough to make you want to scream. Or binge the apple pie you just made. Or escape into the world of Netflix until November Fourth. Either way, all of this stress on top of a world wide pandemic, in the middle of what should be the most glorious time of year (according to me), is a lot.
An upsetting political comment from a loved one…may be enough to make you want to scream. Or binge the apple pie you just made. Or escape into the world of Netflix until November Fourth.
That is why today I want to share five more ways to stay sane during this election season. On Monday, I shared how I am approaching my political differences with loved ones—with love. As our relationships should supersede politics. Only, it is also crucial for us to practice self love this season, as so many of us already feel like we’re fraying at the edges. Here are five ways to both take care of yourself, and your loved ones this season:
Seek out commonality.
Most of the people in our lives, deep down, have at least a few values or concerns that intersect with our own. Sure, we may believe how they play out or are solved in society may look different. But at our core, many of us want peace, jobs, provision, growth, and development for our communities and our country. Seek to find out what both you and your loved ones value, and be a peacemaker by meeting them in those places.
Research the most unbiased information you can find for the names on your local ballot.
Rather than get caught up in listening to the news, or what those around you believe or have heard—make your own decisions about who you’re voting for. Find a copy of your local ballot online, then research each candidate to find out where their platform matches up with your values. Make your choices. If need be write them down some place private so you remember. Make a plan for how you will vote. Then, try to put the election out of your mind until November 3rd.
Hide/unfollow extreme friends/family social accounts.
One of my favorite features on Facebook is the “Snooze” feature. It allows you to snooze your friends posts for thirty days, without them realizing you’re doing it. “Snooze” or unfollow accounts who are adding stress or anger to your life right now. Then, if their feed changes back to things you want to see—post election—re-follow them. Your mental and emotional health right now is more important than you realize. Make sure you’re feeding your thoughts with information that will help you be the healthiest person you can be.
Limit screen time.
Similar to unfollowing accounts that are stressing you out, limit how much time you watch the News or surf the internet. As I mentioned before, content about the election is everywhere. Pay attention to the information that will help you make your most informed voting decisions—then ignore the rest.
Take a deep breath. Pray. Repeat.
Taking deep breaths releases tension. Praying, for me, calms my soul and reminds me God is over all. Ultimately, this election season is just one piece in the bigger story of our country. Yes, it will have lasting ramifications for years to come. But other than doing what each of us are called to do—for all of us to vote the best we can, for some to both vote and help others do so freely—all we can do is to take a deep breath, pray, and wait for the outcome. Don’t wear yourself out emotionally and mentally doing the last one. Remember to take a deep breath and pray for our country whenever you feel the tension within you rise.
How are you staying sane this season?
Which of these five things do you need to do this week?
Have you too, struggled with finding focus since the Pandemic? Are you having a hard time feeling productive because you feel mentally exhausted? Sign up for my email list today, and receive a free copy of my Six Ways to Find Focus in a Pandemic. It will help you find your footing again.
