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This is a difficult time in the United States.
We are a polarized country that is deeply divided on many issues. We are all concerned about the results of the election as we know things may not turn out as we hoped.
We are anxious, scared, and nervous about what will happen. This is when we need insights of the wise.
In my recent study (The Wisdom Research Study) and book (Common Wisdom) I interviewed 60 wise adults and found that although they had encountered great obstacles, they were at peace.
They were not bitter or angry. They were content. That has made we think about how we can adopt such inner peace when we are anxious? What should we do?
Here are six ways to deal with election anxiety:
1. Pause
We have a natural negativity bias. We think of the worse-case scenario regarding any situation. We also let our emotions and not the facts dictate our lives. We lack “emotional control.” That is why it is especially important that we pause these thoughts, recognize them, and refocus. These negative thoughts are not serving us and like a wheel are making our anxiety worse. This is a type of pattern interrupt. It is you telling your body to stop. It’s you taking control of the negative thoughts that seem to be taking over your life.
2. Breath
Take slow deep breaths that have a longer exhalation than inhalation. Deep breathing reduces stress and anxiety and also improves overall well-being. Strengthen the breath by doing belly breathing. A more profound method of stress reduction through breath is “box breathing.” Breathing is available to all of us and is a simple but powerful tool that will ground you and take you out of the worry mode.
3. Exercise
Moving your body and exercising has many benefits. Even as little as 10 minutes a day. In addition to the visible physical changes, there are numerous mental advantages. Exercise releases endorphins, improves mood, and drastically reduces anxiety. It is a way to release negative energy. After a walk or run, you feel better and things will not affect you as much.
4. Nature
Go outdoors and experience nature. Seeing and being part of the natural world is beneficial to your mental health. It will reduce your anxiety and strengthen your immune system. It will lessen thoughts about the election. Start with investing a few minutes a day and increase this time. It will remind you of the bigger world and your place in it. Consider earthing or spending time barefoot on the ground as that has been found to reduce inflammation, lessen stress, and further balance your body. Nature will help you center and focus. Its an easy and inexpensive way to improve your well-being during this difficult time.
5. Positivity
Being positive is difficult, especially when you are surrounded by a tremendous amount of outside noise that prompts you to be negative. It does not mean that you don’t have your moments or days of negativity; it means that the majority of the time you try to be positive. You deserve to be happy and positive. Being positive is the only thing you can do. You have no choice. Negativity does not feel good. You have to protect yourself from negativity. You can’t control the outcome of the election, but you can control your thoughts about it. It’s like having a gratitude journal; it forces you to be appreciative. Force yourself to be positive. Think about a situation where the person you do not want wins. Think of what good it can do and how it can be beneficial.
6. Live in faith, not in fear
Look at the election from a place of “it will work out.” Know that regardless of what your thoughts are, there is a silver lining to it. Half of the country is in favor of this candidate. Being fearful of the outcome will not serve you. Fear is poison for your well-being.
Anxiety is fear about the future and the unknown. We can’t change the election and the outcomes, but we can change how we let it impact us. The above methods will allow your concerns to “bounce off” of you. As you manage your nerves, be kind and patient with yourself.
By adopting the above, you are investing in a self-care regiment that will help you overcome all future obstacle.
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