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Mental Health

Self-Care Tips for Election Day

November 8, 2016

Self-Care Tips for Election Day

Let’s be honest. This election has been stressful for everyone. So we put together some self-care tips to help you to get through the day.

1. UNPLUG FROM MEDIA

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  • Email, texting, and social media shouldn’t drive us crazy, they should be tools to help us connect with people when and how we want. Today, allow yourself to sign off from your social media accounts and if you’re brave enough, turn your cell phone off .
 

2. FILTER

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Let’s be real, it is hard to disconnect from ALL social media and news. However you can filter the information you want to hear from some help from your friends.

  • Happify and other websites and apps for wellness – use your technology for good, not evil.

  • Remove yourself from negative conversations – picking fights with friends/family whose opinions differ is no longer productive on election day. Most people’s minds are made up by now, and it’s okay to set boundaries, even with loved ones. Take care of yourself and don’t engage in arguing.

 

3. COMMUNITY LOVE

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  • Designate someone else as your media DD if being plugged in is stressful. They can help filter.

  • If you are stressed out, worried, scared or all three about this election say it out loud. You are not alone. And sometimes hearing “me too” can be comforting.

  • If you’re watching the results, watch with friends. It’s easier to process stressful things with friends and family around you!

  • You’re not alone! 52% of people polled by the APA in a recent survey are feeling election stress. Your feelings are valid!

4. DISTRACT YOURSELF

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  • Spotify Election Day songs:It has been suggested that music can reduce anxiety and soothe pain. In honor of Election day, Spotify has released a whole bunch of playlists celebrating Election Day, with titles like “Rock Your Rights”, “Stay Woke” and “The Glass Ceiling”. What better way to celebrate doing your civic duty then to dance around to “Where is the Love?” by the Black Eyed Peas?

  • Go outside and walk around the corner. Exercise is proven to not only reduce stress, but also produce endorphins to make you feel happy!

  • Get creative and make some crafts or color. Coloring used to be reserved for children and the occasional adult who got to babysit them, but recently coloring has been proven to have therapeutic properties and help reduce stress. No coloring supplies? No problem, check outcolormandala.com to unleash your inner artist and relax by coloring mandalas online.

5. TREAT YOURSELF

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  • Indulge yourself. Today you can give in to your cravings. Do you know there’s several restaurants offering freebies for folks who voted? Also today is #TacoTuesday…just sayin’.

  • Animal love: Take a break and look at the cutest baby animals of all times! If you have a pet, spend time with them, research has shown that spending time with pets reduces stress levels and is good for our well-being.

  • Can you take a bubble bath at home? DO IT.

6. VOTE

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6- DEALING WITH NOVEMBER 9

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  • Celebrating?  Drink responsibly and remember CONSENT IS MAGICAL AND MANDATORY today and everyday.

  • Not celebrating? That’s okay! Know that you’re not alone, that you still have a voice, and that your opinions and actions are STILL important.

Resources:

US Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433

NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group 800-826-3632

Crisis Help Line – For Any Kind of Crisis 800-233-4357

Crisis Chat: Talk about stress and other problems anonymously and get non-judgmental support.

IMAlive: Speak with a volunteer online without having to wait for an emailed reply.

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