Perhaps few Election Day results have created more suspense and apprehension in the United States than today’s results.
The U.S. may possibly elect its first woman as president of the United States or a former president who has succeeded in dividing Americans beyond Republican and Democratic Party lines.
Dr. Kim Penberthy is a psychologist at UVA Health. She shared with Virginia press Tuesday afternoon tips for managing stress and anxiety on Election Day. Self-care was emphasized as important for days like Election Day and other major life events, as well as focusing on controllable factors.
Penberthy said that feeling stress and anxiety about Election Day is completely normal.
“These kinds of events can be uncertain and often feel very unsure. And, with so much at stake it’s natural for people to feel a sense of heightened tension,” Penberthy said.
Signs of stress and anxiety include ruminating, feeling overwhelmed, emotional responses or having physical symptoms such as headaches, tense muscles or stomach upset.
“Part of this is because our brains are wired to react to uncertainty with anxiety, because we want to know what’s coming next. And, obviously with an election, it’s hard to know. You can control your own vote, but we’re sort of waiting to find out how everyone else is voting,” Penberthy said.
Acknowledging that we are stressed and that the stress is not permanent can help alleviate symptoms.
She encourages anyone feeling stressed or anxious to focus on self-care and to spend time in nature. Staying in a cycle of routine can also alleviate stress and anxiety.
“Of all days, this is the day to give yourself permission to distract yourself. This is not burying your head in the sand. This is intentionally saying: “I’m going to do something else to take my mind off of this right now.'”
Reading, baking or completing tasks for work can help.
She also recommended limiting time on social media if it increases stress levels.
“Social media, especially ,can be a constant stream of speculations, opinions, reactions that make your anxiety worse,” Penberthy said.
The same goes for watching election results on television or online.
“Again, it’s about checking in with yourself and giving yourself permission to take a break. Step away, not watch at all or just checking in at specific intervals.”
Penberthy strongly recommends not staying up late tonight waiting for election results.
In the coming days, she encourages voters to spend time with friends, exercise, write in a journal and continue to practice self-care.
“Often these elections are seen as historic. How nice to be able to write about it in real time what you’re experiencing? And that can be a helpful way to sort of process some of what’s going on and still feel like you’re in a little bit of control of that because you’re focusing on your thoughts and trying to sort of make them into a story that makes sense for the future to come back and read your journal.”
Penberthy also suggested volunteering to help others, such as rake leaves in your neighbor’s yard.
Patience will be the key for the next few days as we await election results.
“This is what you’re talking about is running a marathon versus a sprint,” she said.
Taking breaks and maintaining a routine are important, as well as considering what will remain the same in your life regardless of who wins Election 2024.
“It’s the time to reach out and support other people and support yourself and we will get through this. We will get through this together.”
Share
Rebecca Barnabi
