Elections can cause a lot of unrest.
What will the future of the nation, the state and the issues you care about look like when the votes are counted?
How do you handle emotional conversations with family and loved ones?
We spoke with Kelly Bowman, Colorado’s crisis line program manager, for helpful tips and tricks to navigate this stressful time.
Make a plan to vote
Bowman said if you haven’t voted yet, now is the time to make a plan. Knowing when and how you will vote “can help reduce your anxiety when it comes to the logistics of making sure your vote and your vote count.” That includes taking into account rush hour and whether the drop-off is a drive-thru or whether you need to find free or paid parking.
The deadline for returning your ballot has passed, but you can still return your ballot through Election Day at a drop box or voting location near you.
Not registered to vote? That’s possible register online or in person through Election Day.
Need help understanding the issues on your ballot? Check out our Statewide Voter Guide, Denver Voter Guide And Southern Colorado Voter Guide.
Set healthy boundaries and know when to unplug
Politics can be polarizing, even among loved ones. To relieve stress and maintain important relationships, Bowman suggests setting boundaries with friends and family.
“Community is really important when we talk about dealing with stress, dealing with anger, fear, those big emotions that can be uncomfortable to sit with,” she explained. “It’s important to have conversations, regardless of what you believe and where you fall on the political spectrum. However, it is also very important to be clear about which policies and topics are not useful or healthy to discuss and debate.”
Bowman also emphasized the need to limit exposure to the constant barrage of information available in the digital age. This may look like limiting the amount of time you spend online or listening to TV or radio news.
If “we don’t have a break to connect with the things that nourish us,” Bowman explained, “we can’t help offset some of the anxiety we may be experiencing.”
She acknowledged that turning off the news at such an eventful time “may seem counterproductive if you want to feel informed.” But again, that constant cycle of coverage can be quite damaging and add to the stress.”
Spend time outside and integrate exercise into your day
“Get outside… get in the sun… get your body moving,” Bowman encouraged. All these things help the body release stress.
If you only have a few minutes, walk around the block. Or, if you have more time, consider a trip to the gym, a walk, a bike ride, or something else you enjoy that gets your body moving.
Find a healthy distraction
Bowman said that when we’re already feeling stressed or anxious, “our window of tolerance for (additional) stress is compromised a little bit.” This means that distraction can be a healthy coping mechanism.
“Read a book or watch a comfort show,” Bowman encouraged. You can also cook or bake, do puzzles, do crafts or enjoy music. If you need something accessible and easy, consider purchasing an adult coloring book or paint-by-numbers kit.
Bowman said making a playlist is also a good activity. She then encouraged: Listen to your playlist while you go outside, move your body, or even just take your ballot to the mailbox.
Make time to breathe or meditate
Re-centering through breathwork or meditation can also provide relief. Whether you need to take a step back as the results come in or you’re wide awake tonight, you can use the resources below (or the audio attached to this story) to find peace.
Free meditation videos
Meditation apps
- Calma meditation and sleep app – offers a 14-day free trial
- Headrooma daily mental health app – offers a 14-day free trial
- Happieran app that provides personalized strategies to help you become happier, healthier, more productive and more creative – offers a seven-day free trial
Connect with loved ones and community
Another important part – whether you want to stay at the polls or seek distraction – is making plans to be with your loved ones or out in the community.
If you’re concerned about election anxiety, make plans to be with people (or companion animals) as the results unfold.
What if I just…Would you like to drink (or smoke) something?
Bowman said urges to reach for vices like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine are completely normal, but warns that they can “sometimes worsen feelings of anxiety.”
So be careful.
What if I feel Real upset, or am I still restless weeks after the election?
You can call, text or chat for free at any time of the day with 988, Colorado’s suicide and crisis hotline. The number connects you to a trained specialist for support. And you don’t have to provide any identifying information. You can remain completely anonymous.
“If you or someone (you love) continues to experience feelings of anger, isolation, anxiety or depression for an extended period of time,” Bowman said, “typically more than two weeks, that may be the time we encourage someone to start . looking for professional help.”