Election season can add stress to your life

No matter where you stand, I think many of us can agree this presidential election has been unusually charged. According to the American Psychological Association, more than half of adults in the United States report that the elections are a very or somewhat significant source of stress. Approximately 1 in 4 Americans are feeling less productive and more stressed at work due to political talk. For those who do not follow politics closely, many can feel a general sense of uneasiness, anxiety or irritability.

As we are only a couple of weeks away, it is likely stress levels may increase. What can you do if you are stressed? Below are some of my recommendations, along with a few from the American Psychological Association:

•  Take news breaks, especially from the television. Take breaks for a few days or more if needed. It is highly likely that should something important occur, you will hear about it from family, friends or colleagues. After your break, get your news from print media and limit news intake to certain times of day. For example, reading the news at the very start or very end of your day is not helpful for most people. One can set the tone for your day, and the other can interfere with restful sleep.
•  Limit social media. Again, take breaks or set time limits so you do not overwhelm yourself. You may want to “unlike” or “unfollow” sites where you are sure to see political messages.
• Talk with someone you trust about the impact the elections are having on you. Rely on the support of others.
• Help others. Take your mind off things, and help yourself feel better, by volunteering. You could volunteer for a political organization so you feel you are being proactive. However, you may also want to consider volunteering with organizations that have nothing to do with the elections or politics. This can have quite a positive impact on you and allow your mind to rest from national affairs.
• Set limits on how often you engage in political conversations. Having escalated conversations are not going to be useful to you if you leave feeling stressed, irritable or anxious. You may also want to limit conversations with like-minded people, as your brain may need a rest from politics in general.
• Include more time in your schedule to do things you enjoy whether it’s spending time with people, various hobbies, or spending time just being still and quiet as a way to replenish your brain. Silence can help replenish mental resources — so go for a quiet walk, or sit outside and just be, even if only for a few minutes.

Many of these suggestions seem obvious, however, as you read them think about how often you engage in political conversations, hear or read the news, see political info on social media, or even think about the elections. If you add up all the minutes, it may be adding up to overload in your brain. Pick one or two suggestions and try them this week.

Lubna Somjee, Ph.D., is a psychologist practicing clinical and health psychology and executive coaching in the mid-Hudson Valley. Visitwww.LubnaSomjee-phd.com For more information on local resources, visit the Hudson Valley Psychological Association atwww.hvpa.org

More information

• http://pojonews.co/apaelection