It's no secret that anxiety and stress- both seem to be one in the same these days- both will be on EXTRA HIGH ALERT come Tuesday morning and even the following days in the wake of the up coming election-
Here's a few self care tips for all my Babes on a Mish.. God knows I needed a reminder.. So I thought I’d share with you too..
There is NO RIGHT WAY to spend Election Day- Some of us will be glued to the TV, while there's want to tune the whole thing out completely.. But feel guilty for not being engaged. The thing is- the election will happen with or without you, and at this point fate will take the course.. Trust your gut and do what you want to do. Only you know what is good for you- for some watching feels like a sense of control, while others might want to plan a fun activity to distract themselves of something they will know sooner or later
Social Media Boundaries- You have heard this a number of times I know- but if my blood doesn’t boil of one stupid post from someone I don’t even know- I would be lying. This type of thing is unhealthy.. So set a boundary- like a phone free room.. Like the bathroom or your porch- the laundry room or even your bedroom
Put time limits on your app- this is a feature Apple and Android allows
Make a small list of accounts you trust, and only go to those for updates
Choose ONE SOCIAL MEDIA platform- seriously I don’t need to know what my crazy aunt or someone from highschool is posting on FaceBook- on Tuesday or the week following- like I just don’t.
Don’t just be aimlessly scrolling on Tuesday!! Be deliberate in your time- and who you choose to give it too!!
Decide where you are going to get your news updates from- speaking of social media- it's not the best source (or accurate) for reliable news. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress (and potential false alarms) if you choose a small handful of trusted places to get your updates. And if you are going to use social media to get quick updates, make sure you pay attention to sources—and read more than the headline.
If you can't look away- aim to take tiny tiny breaks- like I said before- plan something other than to watch the election- like a midday sweat sesh, surf, yoga, maybe go for a walk- without your phone- something that will pull you away- even if for 10 mins- then, in an hour try something for 20mins.. You'll need this- TRUST.
Set boundaries with people in your life too. Like I said before- everyone's approach to Election day will look differently.. So check your inner circle and be sure to convey that. If you have a family member or even a friend right now that is frantic AF about updates, make sure to let them know maybe that's not the route you’ll be taking. That you will call them. Put your phone on airplane mode or do not disturb. Remember- you're protecting your space.
LEAN INTO BASIC SELF CARE - I mean it, treat Tuesday like Sunday- its self care day- all day. And really lean into it.. yoga , meditation, eat good, don’t drink too much, drink lots of water- truly take care of yourself mentally and physically. The possibility that the election won’t even be decided on Tuesday is also a major factor- so continue that self care throughout the week.
Find your allies- your people. Your support system, perhaps the ones you have had trusted private conversations about concerns. Plan to have a bestie come by and just have company.. If you are alone, reach out to someone and tell them to be your person for that day- this is pivotal- we really are in this together babes.. And so many of us are vested in it.. So let's be there for each other.
And Lastly- BE NICE TO YOURSELF- Because look, Election night might be a shit show for your mental health. You might wind up disregarding every tip on this list. You might just focus on getting through whatever way you can. And that’s okay. Everything that is going on right now is actually very unprecedented- it's important to remember that. Nobody is perfect. And if you end in a bottle of red wine- at least drink lots of water too- the next day- will be a doozy- hungover or stone cold sober