Navigate Election Season with Ease: 8 Stress-Reducing Tactics

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, you’ll likely join the rest of the country, glued to your television or phone to see if Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will come out on top in this year’s election — and if the whole ordeal is making you feel not-so-great, you’re not alone. 

Election season can be an increasingly stressful time for many Americans. According to an American Psychology Association survey, nearly 70% of American adults are stressed about the 2024 presidential election, with nearly 80% worried about the future of the nation. Compared to past presidential elections, the APA found that stress is about the same as it was in 2020 but significantly higher than stress levels in 2016. The majority of poll respondents said they were concerned about post-election violence and the potential end of democracy.   

However, letting election stress run rampant can significantly harm your physical and mental health, leading to issues like poor workplace performance and stress-related headaches. Luckily, there are simple ways to cope with this stress and protect your health and well-being, regardless of what happens in the days leading up to and following the election.   

Here are eight stress management strategies to help you cope with election season.  

1. Limit Your Media Consumption

Whether you’re scrolling on Instagram or just reading articles on your favorite news website, the theme is likely the same this week…election coverage.

The constant barrage of news, much of which skews towards the negative, can significantly heighten your anxiety. It’s essential to stay informed about current events, both nationally and globally, but consider limiting the media you consume in the upcoming days. Be selective about the sources you engage with. Doom-scrolling into the wee hours of the night is counterproductive to maintaining your well-being and achieving peak performance the next day.

2. Engage in Physical Activity

It’s been proven time and time again. Exercise in just about any form can help relieve stress. So, get moving. It doesn’t really matter how you move, so long as you’re staying active. If you’re short on time, go for a quick walk around the block or do a short yoga routine at home. If you have a little more time and flexibility, consider a long bike ride, a run, or taking a group fitness class.  

3. Adopt a Positive Mindset

The most resilient individuals are able to do one key thing: reframe the circumstances around them so they see opportunities in crises. At Arootah, we call this the “crisitunity” mindset.  

This mindset refers to a combination of crisis and opportunity. For example, if the election led to some sort of economic downturn, you might view that as an opportunity for your organization to pivot and adapt to a new business landscape, challenging your teams to grow and evolve. 

4. Focus on What You Can Control

Dwelling on factors beyond your control is never beneficial. Take voting for instance: you have the power to cast your ballot, but the collective behavior of the populace is not yours to dictate. Release your grip on the uncontrollable and direct your energy towards areas where you can make an impact. 

Ask yourself what immediate actions can you take that will lead to a positive outcome? What steps can you initiate that will bring about meaningful change? 

5. Practice Gratitude

It might sound a little cheesy and like it won’t necessarily work, but studies have found that practicing gratitude can help you better cope with stress and be more resilient. It can even benefit your physical health, as some studies link gratitude with fewer signs of heart disease. 

Practice gratitude with small, daily efforts, such as writing down five things you’re thankful for at the start or end of each day.   

6. Embrace Humor

Laughter is often touted as the ultimate remedy, and for good reason. In the face of upcoming stress, seek out opportunities to laugh. This could involve a chat with a friend who never fails to amuse you or indulging in a TV show guaranteed to make you cackle.  

7. Seek Support

If you’re struggling and unable to manage your stress on your own, seek support from friends, family, or professionals such as therapists or a health coach. They can help you identify patterns that may make you more stressed, provide solutions, and help you gain perspective when you struggle to free yourself from negative thoughts.  

8. Embrace Self–care

Lastly, be sure that you’re taking care of yourself in every way possible during not just this stressful season but all seasons of life. Treat yourself with compassion and engage in activities that promote overall relaxation. 

Self-care may look different for everyone. It may mean turning off your phone, cozying up with a warm cup of tea, and reading a book. Maybe it means going for a long walk with a favorite person. Maybe it means heading to the spa for a day of restoration. Whatever it is, let yourself indulge in the activities you know will make you feel better. 

The Bottom Line

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage stress levels during the high-stakes and often emotionally charged election season.  

Looking for more support this season? Sign up for a complimentary health coaching call to get started.