Voting in next week’s midterm elections will be very very IMPORTANT: Each of us needs to vote for our country as a whole and for our communities. I am thrilled to be able to exercise my right to vote, but I am also worried about what will happen after I line up at the polling place, fill out my ballot, and go home. what happens. Even though I thought the candidate I chose had a good chance, I always feel a very particular kind of dread after voting.
There is no doubt that fear is exacerbated by being glued to various types of media for hours on end. Simultaneously blowing up cable networks, frantically scrolling through Twitter on your phone, or chaotically checking multiple news sites isn’t healthy (or helpful!). Once late at night on a laptop. But given what is at stake—reproductive rights, climate change, gun control, civil rights, health care policies that affect millions of people—I personally have always been a “plug.” I’ve been getting a little irritated with the advice to just pull out the
Thankfully, I’m not the only one who’s found that recommended tone deafening, and it’s totally impractical. [elections] Very important to us and not realistic. ” Dr. Justin Pudera psychologist based in Boca Raton, Fla., tells SELF.
I know myself well enough to anticipate not being able to fully unplug on Election Day, morning In the days leading up to November 8th, we’re going to make a concerted effort to lower our stress levels. To find out how, we spoke to a mental health expert. be.
1. Grasp that’s right How do you react when you hear people sharing political opinions that make you want to scream?
If you’re lucky, it’s great to be surrounded by people who share your values and politics. Don’t bother acting to change it during midterms, he recommends Dr. Puder.
But most of us are likely to come into direct contact with at least a few people with whom we disagree. But you can hear some people voicing terrible opinions or completely wrong information. This time it is worth preparing in advance.
A great way to do this is to rehearse exactly how you would respond if someone started discussing a topic that you don’t have the mental or emotional energy to discuss. Dr. Jessica Stern, a psychologist at NYU Langone tells SELF. “Have something ready,” says Dr. Stern. “Have some stock responses that can divert the conversation.” If You Know It one Dr. Stern says you can use a script like this:
