Written by the UNMC Wellness Team, which is comprised of Steve Wengel, MD, Sarah Fischer, PhD, and Priya Gearin, MD. Dr. Wengel is UNMC’s assistant vice chancellor for campus wellness and a professor in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Fischer is an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry and psychologist at the Aspire Clinic. Dr. Gearin is an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry and a child psychiatrist with Nebraska Medicine.
Are you feeling stressed about the upcoming election? It’s both common to feel some angst and lose perspective in the heat of an election season, especially as Election Day nears.
So, what can we do to maintain our equilibrium?
Here are some tips:
- Avoid “doomscrolling” on social media, internet news sites and 24-hour TV news channels.
- Think of news consumption as if it were a powerful medication that you have been prescribed – you need to take the right dose, but not too much.
- Decide ahead of time what that right “dose” is for you, and stick to it.
- Get outside – there is something very “grounding” (no pun intended) about being in the natural world.
- Don’t forget to breathe – take six seconds to inhale, six seconds to exhale and do this for four consecutive breaths when stressed.
- Keep an eye on your colleagues, and ask how they are doing.
- Also keep an eye on family members.
- Engage in physical activity – even 20 minutes can improve your mood and allow you to release physical tension.
- Get enough sleep – staying up too late can make you more anxious.
- Don’t forget to find and create moments of joy and peace in each day.
- Remember that UNMC employees are eligible for free counseling through our Employee Assistance program – and this also is available for members of your household.
- UNMC students have free counseling available through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Remember that stress during times like these is often, in part, caused by the uncertainty of what the future holds. Above all, identify what you can control and then take action.
What actions you take will depend on your values and your resources, such as the time and energy you have available to invest. Action could include researching current initiatives that will be on the ballot, researching the candidates you’ll be voting for, supporting your chosen candidates if you find meaning in doing so and, most importantly, casting your vote.
Once you’ve done what you set out to do, find ways to take care of yourself and prioritize your personal wellness, safety and happiness.