Published: November 5, 2024 by Loida Garcia-Febo, Health and Wellness Ambassador

Taking care of your mental health during elections is crucial, especially for librarians who often serve as community hubs. Here are tips to help you manage election stress while prioritizing self-care:

1. Limit News Consumption: Set specific times to check news or social media. Constant exposure to election coverage can be overwhelming, so schedule breaks to avoid information overload.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These practices can help reduce anxiety and keep you centered during turbulent times. Here some ideas from Calm.
3. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Whether it’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or dancing around your living room, movement is a great stress reliever.
4. Connect with Others: Discussing your thoughts can foster support and connection. Consider joining a community group to discuss concerns constructively or sharing your feelings with people with whom you feel safe.
5. Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on actions within your reach, like volunteering for causes you believe in or engaging in positive discussions, rather than fixating on outcomes beyond your control.
6. Take Screen Breaks: While it’s common to use distractions like social media or funny videos to cope, it’s essential to create phone-free periods to disengage from stressors. Start small by scheduling a midday walk without your work phone or doing a phone-free workout. Spending time in nature can also be revitalizing.
7. Give Yourself Compassion: During election season, feelings of anxiety and frustration are common. Self-compassion can help:
   • Be kind to yourself; replace self-criticism with positive affirmations.
   • Remember you’re not alone—many others share similar struggles. Talking with someone can provide comfort.
   • Reflect on what you need to feel better and make a plan to meet those needs.

By incorporating these strategies, you can navigate election stress more effectively and maintain your well-being. Remember, self-care is essential!

Resources consulted for the tips:

American Psychological Association (2024). Election 2024: 12 science-backed must-reads to help soothe anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/politics/election-stress-resources

Calm (2024). 10 mindfulness exercises to include in your daily routine. https://www.calm.com/blog/mindfulness-exercises

Mayo Clinic (2020). Is Election Stress Disorder Real? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-election-stress-disorder-real/

Mental Health America (2024). 2024 Election Mental Health Resources. https://mhanational.org/2024-voter-guide

San Jose State University (2024). SJSU Election Center, Post-Election. https://www.sjsu.edu/elections/post-election/index.php

The Jed Foundation (2024). 7 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health When You Use Social Media. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/7-ways-to-protect-your-mental-health-when-you-use-social-media/

University of California at Irving (2024). 7 Tips for Coping with Election Stress. https://counseling.uci.edu/resources/virtual-resources/5343-2/