With political ads ramping up and non-stop news coverage of the presidential race, some people may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
So, what can you do to help cope?
“As humans, we have a natural tendency to want to feel in control, and the elections can undermine that feeling of control,” said Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic. “As a result, we need to focus on what we can control versus what we can’t, whether that is your daily routine, exercise, or self-care.”
Albers said one of the number one ways people tend to stress themselves out during an election is by “catastrophizing,” which is where you imagine the worst-case scenario.
She said it’s important to stop those kinds of thoughts in their tracks and bring yourself back to the present moment.
If you have family, friends or coworkers who regularly discuss politics, it’s OK if you choose not to participate in the conversation, especially if it makes you feel upset or isolated.
The same goes for social media.
“Social media ads and blogs are often designed to trigger strong emotions and controversy. The more you scroll and comment, it’s likely that this is going to trigger high levels of anxiety and stress,” said Albers. “It’s important to stay informed, but we also have to have good limits around how much media we consume on a daily basis.”
She said if your stress starts to interfere with your daily life, you should consider speaking with a mental health professional