5 Tips for Managing Election Anxiety At Work

As the election season heats up, anxiety and uncertainty are on the rise. In fact, Headspace reports that 74% of U.S. adults are feeling anxious about the upcoming presidential race. While employers can offer support, it’s just as important for individuals to take charge and adopt practical tips to navigate this angst and find a sense of calm. Here’s how you can do just that.

Stay informed, but set boundaries. Designate specific times to check the news and social media to avoid feeling overwhelmed by constant updates.

Experts at The Washington Post emphasize the importance of “creating boundaries around news consumption is important for your mental health. To start, limit your television news consumption to one to two hours a day. Avoid watching election coverage 30 minutes before bed because screen time can hinder melatonin release and make it difficult to fall asleep. Since cable news often features pundits talking over each other to make their candidate’s best argument, watching for too long may also increase your emotional stress.”

Instead, they recommend skipping the news on TV for a day and giving your brain a break—grab your favorite magazine, newspaper or scroll through an online mag instead. It’s news, but without the stress!

Reach out to friends or family to share your feelings and concerns. Engaging in discussions can provide support and perspective, helping you feel less isolated.

As the saying goes, a trusted confidant is “only a phone call away.” Sharing your feelings with a trusted few can do wonders to ease stress and anxiety. But if your crew begins to venture off into political terriroty, feel free to tap out — setting clear boundaries here is key!

It should come as no secret that exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or an impromptu dance break, moving your body can help clear your mind and boost your mood.

And no, you don’t have to become a gym rat. Try taking a stroll during your lunch break or holding a walk-and-talk meeting when possible. According to Harvard Health experts, physical activity helps alleviate anxiety, including election-related stress, by “diverting you from the very thing you are anxious about” and reducing muscle tension, which “lowers the body’s contribution to feeling anxious.”

Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, into your daily routine. This can help ground you and reduce anxiety.

Just as crucial as ditching media and moving your body? Taking care of you! Beat election stress by making time for a little R&R. Got a bedtime routine that helps you unwind and recenter? Stick to it.

According to experts at Lyra Health, there are three steps to crafting the perfect self-care plan to suit your needs. Here’s how:

• Identify your urgent needs
• Formulate a self-care plan by writing down goals, intentions, or a vision.
• Identify actionable steps toward your goal, starting small

Extracurriculars aren’t exclusive to kids! Picking up a hobby outside of work isn’t just a good look for your social life—it’s a great way to de-stress before diving back into the daily grind. Been wanting to learn a new language? Now’s your chance! Salsa lessons on your 2024 bingo card? Hit the dance floor! With so many hobbies to explore, finding balance before a workday full of election buzz just got a little less intimidating.

Overall, there are plenty of tips and tricks—suck as the ones above—that can help ease tension during election season. Set some boundaries, walk away from the political talk, and test them all out. Keep what works, ditch what doesn’t.