In this scenario, I encourage my patients to move past the initial thought of how awful it will be and instead think about how exactly they will react to the inauguration, the next day, week, month, and so on.
Cognitive flexibility allows you to explore how to cope even when faced with a negative outcome, making you feel a little less out of control. If you have a lot of anxiety about the election, try thinking about what you would do if the unwanted candidate comes to power – thoughts like “I will donate to causes important to me” and “I will attend protests . .”
Choose your actions with intention
Another tool for dealing with your anxiety is to consider whether your behavior is affecting how you feel.
For example, consider that the goal of 24-hour news networks is to increase ratings. It's in their interest to keep you glued to your screens by making it seem like important announcements are imminent. As a result, it can be difficult to disconnect and engage in your usual self-care behaviors.
Try telling yourself, “If something happens, someone will text me,” and go for a walk or, better yet, to bed. By maintaining healthy habits, you can reduce your vulnerability to uncontrolled anxiety.
After Election Day, you can still be drawn to the news and stay motivated to show up — whether that means donating, volunteering, or protesting — for a variety of causes that you think will be affected by the election results. Many people describe feeling guilty when they say no or withdraw, causing them to overcommit and become overwhelmed.
If this sounds like you, try reminding yourself that taking a break from politics to cook, hang out with your family or friends, get some work done, or go to the gym doesn't mean you don't care. In fact, keeping track of the activities that energize you will give you the energy to contribute to important causes in a more meaningful way.
Shannon Sauer-Zavala, associate professor of psychology and licensed clinical psychologist, University of Kentucky. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
