Surviving Election Season Stress (Without Losing Your Mind or Moving to a Mountain)

Ah, election time in the U.S.! The air is filled with campaign ads, the social media feeds are buzzing with hot takes, and every news channel has a countdown clock that could rival New Year’s Eve. It’s like the Super Bowl, except it lasts for months, nobody wins any rings, and the commercials somehow make us more anxious than excited. If this sounds overwhelming, trust me—you’re not alone. Here are some cheeky but genuine tips for keeping cool amid election season madnesses.

1. Limit Your News Intake (Or as I call it, the “Don’t Go Down the Rabbit Hole” Method)

Election news has a sneaky way of pulling us in, like that one chip that turns into the whole bag. Before you know it, you’re in a black hole of stress, reading every detail about every candidate’s snack preferences or high school yearbook quote. Set a time limit, like 15 minutes of news in the morning and a little snippet in the evening. Think of it as dipping a toe in the water instead of diving headfirst into an ocean of headlines.

Pro tip: Download a news-limiting app if you struggle to step away. These apps are like digital gatekeepers that protect you from doomscrolling.

2. Practice “Selective Hearing” (Yes, Just Like Your Dad Does)

You don’t need to engage in every political debate thrown your way. It’s acceptable to hit the “mute” button on specific conversations, especially if they’re lighting your stress fuse. Just nod, smile, and maybe say, “Interesting point!” and then pivot to something less inflammatory, like cute cat videos or the weather.

Bonus points if you become good at switching topics mid-sentence. (“That’s an interesting take, actually! Hey, did you hear about that giant pumpkin contest?”)

3. Plan a “Political Detox Day” (Warning: May Lead to Spontaneous Joy)

Declare one day a week as your “politics-free day.” That means no news, debates, or discussions about polling margins or electoral maps. Instead, spend the day doing things that make you happy. Go for a hike, cook your favorite meal, or take a break by binge-watching a show with absolutely zero political undertones. (Here’s looking at you, “Great British Bake-Off.”)

It’s amazing how recharged you can feel after a day without any political noise. You might even forget what a “swing state” is for a hot minute.

4. Get Outside and Take a Break from Screens

They say fresh air is good for the soul, and it turns out it’s also great for not becoming a stress-fueled ball of election anxiety. Step outside, look up at the sky (preferably at sunrise or sunset for maximum tranquility), and breathe. No screen. No breaking news alerts. Just you, some oxygen, and maybe a leaf or two.

If you’re up for it, throw in a bit of exercise, even if it’s just a quick walk. Moving your body releases endorphins, which are nature’s way of telling you, “Hey, it’s going to be okay.”

5. Find Your Zen with a Little Mindfulness (No Yoga Mat Required)

Let’s be honest: meditation sounds excellent, but it can be hard to find time. The good news is that you don’t have to spend hours chanting “Om” to feel calmer. Try a quick breathing exercise: close your eyes, breathe slowly for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. Do that a few times, and you might feel more grounded.

If breathing exercises aren’t your thing, try a simple mindfulness practice. For example, look around and name five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Bam—you’re now back in the present moment, where election stress holds less power.

6. Embrace the Absurdity (Or “Laugh, So You Don’t Cry”)

Election seasons can sometimes feel like they’re straight out of a sitcom, and that’s okay—lean into it! Share funny memes, watch a comedy special, or even make up some silly bingo cards for your favorite talking points. (“If I hear ‘swing voter’ one more time, I’m putting five bucks in the jar.”)

Laughter releases tension, reminds us not to take things too seriously, and lets us see the humor in all the chaos. Plus, who doesn’t love a good election meme?

7. Lean on Your People

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is grab a friend, grab some snacks, and talk about life. Vent about your stress, laugh about the absurdity, and remind each other that you’ll get through it together no matter what happens. The people around you are your support network for a reason.

So, there you have it—your survival kit for election season stress. Stick with these, and who knows? You might make it through with your sanity intact. Just remember:

• At the end of the day, the world keeps turning.
• The sun still rises.
• Netflix will always be there for you.

Stay sane out there!