This year’s election is probably one of the most important that will occur in our lifetime, especially in tandem with the many other issues facing our country. These issues were not only responsible for record numbers in registration and voter turnout, but they’re also the reason why this election is extremely close and determining results has been delayed.
Many people are extremely anxious about what will happen next, and find themselves doomscrolling on social media. I will not lie, I did this for a couple of hours yesterday, and then realized that there’s no reason for me to be expecting the worst. Here’s what keeps me feeling positive instead.
1. I am OK
If you’re reading this right now, you are OK too. This is something I always like to think to myself during the worst of times. You are alive, and you will get through this anxiety bump. When this is over, you’ll forget all about moving to Canada. You just have to hang in there a little longer, and remember you’re not the only one biting their nails waiting for these results.
2. Cancel culture is real
One of the biggest trends online in a divisive political climate is cancel culture, which comes with a lot of negative energy. You have to remember the people tweeting about the election know as much as you and me about the results – which is nothing.
People are very divided and don’t understand that we’re all humans with different thoughts and ideals. Instead of arguing about what is right or wrong, you should respect the other individual’s beliefs instead of shaming them for it. Knowing that cancel culture is real will help you close out Twitter and stop the anger-inducing scroll.
3. I can’t control what others think
You can’t control anyone’s beliefs. If someone already voted for Trump, you can’t change their mind to vote for Biden. In a perfect world, we’d all agree on one candidate. But instead, we disagree and that’s okay too. Imagine how boring it would be if we were all the same.
4. My voice is being heard
Did you vote? If the answer is yes (I hope it is), then know that your voice is being heard. If you voted for Biden or Trump, it is being heard that you think one of them should be president. Everyone who voted in this election is the difference between a candidate winning or losing, especially considering this race is extremely tight.
5. There are better days ahead
Yes, these times are really hard. Each month is something new in the negativity department. 2020 is on fire. But you also have to remember that this is temporary, and on the other side are new highs to look forward to.
6. I can do something I love to pass the time
Got a show you want to watch? Watch it. Want to work out, read a book, write, do art? Do it. Doing something you love, or something you’ve always wanted to try out, will help ease your anxiety and worries. During this time I’m cooking, writing, and binge-watching TV to help ease my election jitters. Those are things I absolutely love that never fail to calm me down.
7. There are inspirational quotes
I have an idea for you! How about instead of reading negative posts online, you look up some inspirational quotes? Some hashtags you should look into are #inspirationalquotes, #lifequotes and #believeinyourself. It’s cheesy, but sometimes positive words and perspectives can be an impactful reset.
8. Friends and family are support systems
Everyone is looking at the results, but I’m sure if you told your friends and family you need to get your mind off the election, they’d be happy to help out and provide a distraction. Who knows, maybe they’re doomscrolling social media like you and need help getting out of a funk?
I hope you can use some of these tips to avoid social media until this is over. If you want to know what’s happening during the election, head to Her Campus’s election 2020 page for more election news and stories like these. Or watch the election coverage on TV, and use it as background noise for anything you’re doing. Whatever you do, have hope and keep your head up high because this too shall pass. Whoever wins, we *will* get through this somehow.