6 Self-Care Ideas to Prepare for Election Day

The time to choose the next president of the United States is here, and it’s okay if you’re noticing that you have all the feelings about it.

These past few years have presented us with challenging and eventful circumstances that have done a number on many of our nervous systems. This year is certainly no exception.

In preparing for what is expected to be another unprecedented event, here are 6 self-care ideas that can offer you some relief, ease and comfort before the election results return.

Prioritize accessing credible news sources.

Every source you come across that shares information about the election cycle or results is not, I repeat, not credible. Do your homework to filter out accounts, channels and outlets that present inaccurate results to decrease stressful and anxious feelings.

Take breaks from sensationalized (& repetitive) content.

During this time, there will be a variety of outlets announcing and displaying the same information over and over (and over) again to captivate your attention.

Be mindful of how often you are seeing repetitive content that exhausts you and/or isn’t providing you with new and helpful information.

Avoid doom scrolling as often as you can.

Set boundaries around how often you are scrolling social media just to be scrolling. Limit the amount of time you spend on various apps and replace time spent scrolling with a hobby that relieves tension or an opportunity to rest.

Notice and release the tension sitting in your body.

Stress loves to find a home in our bodies during challenging and eventful times. Bring awareness to the parts of your body that feel tight, sore and/or uncomfortable when you feel stressed, worried or frustrated. Regularly stretch to the best of your ability and routinely move your body after extended periods of inactivity.

Rest your eyes from screen exposure.

In addition to regularly releasing tension from your body during this time, offer the same relief to your eyes. Notice how often you’re staring at screens and look away or occasionally pause your screen use.Give your eyes a break by taking moments to simply close them for a few extra seconds or take moments out of your day to intentionally engage in non-screen related activities.

Engage in self-soothing activities.

Don’t hesitate to treat your mind, body and spirit with the calming, soothing practices it needs during this time. Tend to your senses: dim overhead lighting, listen to music that relaxes you, add an essential oil to your diffuser and stay nourished and hydrated.

Now is the best time to pour into yourself. Engaging in practices that help decrease stress and anxiety is a worthwhile way to prioritize your well-being. For more mindful ways to decrease stress in your day-to-day life, enroll in our stress relief e-course by clicking here.