The Election: Self Care Tips! by Katelyn Edwards

    With the election being tonight, this has left many concerned about the outcome. Regardless of who is elected tonight, your mental health is most important. It’s hard to know exactly what we’ll need tonight because there might not be a firm answer as to who is elected. It’s impossible to know how things will unfold tonight. For many of us, tonight will be a scene from hell with tons of emotions stirring such as anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. All of this will have us on an emotional alert and this will take not only an emotional but a physical toll. The last thing any of us want is to wake up tomorrow and want a way to feel a little more human but not know how. To ease your mind, here are seven things that your post election self care parachute must include!

 

 

 

1. Set Social Media Boundaries

During tonight and especially tomorrow, it’s important to stay off his face on social media. On the other hand, if you simply can’t, do take many small breaks. The day after the election there might be some posts or people saying things that could be upsetting so it’s important for a little self care.

 

2. Back To Basics

Treat yourself and others with kindness. Focus on basic needs of self-care including getting enough sleep, showering, eating healthy meals. By doing these things we are less emotionally vulnerable. 

 

3.“Push Notification” Friend

For some of us, watching the election can and will be anxiety driven. To counteract that, you can have a friend periodically send you updates about the election. Even if you don’t have someone who can do this, set notifications from a trusted news source. 

 

4. Support system

Many people benefit mentally from having someone to lean on. Surround yourself with friends or family either in person or virtually! Being around people during this time can make all the difference for your mental health. If you don’t have anyone you trust to be your support for the night, that’s okay. There are support groups and community-based apps that can help you connect with other people in the same boat. As well as the campus counseling center. You don’t have to do this alone.

5. Set Personal Boundaries 

Think about what you need today and tomorrow, will someone live texting you updates cause you to spiral, or distract you from whatever self care you’ve chosen to distract yourself with? Make boundaries clear. Have tough conversations with friends and family on the opposing side, and ensure you are both treated with respect and compassion – no matter the outcome.

6. News-Free Space

Create a news-free space in your home. You can do this by a giving yourself a much needed moment of silence, movement, meditation, reading a book, having a dance party, calling your best friend, or any other thing that makes you feel good. 

7. Have a game plan

Create time and space to process how you are feeling. Do not overschedule yourself tomorrow. If you feel the need to cry, cry. There is no right or wrong way to process emotions. Remind yourself of what you know and ways to be grateful. Trust your future self, set boundaries, and create an action for how to move forward. 

• 2020
• election
• self-care
• voting