The entire nation sits on edge as we all anxiously await the outcome of what has become the most divisive and emotional charged election in history. Before election day, nearly 60 million votes had been cast early (https://www.fastcompany.com/90565919/how-many-people-have-voted-so-far-in-2020-this-live-map-and-state-database-will-tell-you ), and the records continue to be smashed as voter turnouts continue to reach staggering levels. Many Americans are invested on a personal level, and the anxiety and stress has become overwhelming.
According to the New York Post, prior to election day, 65% of Americans were already reporting moderate to high stress stress regarding the big day. 23% reported stress so intense that they felt they would not even be ale to watch the coverage. To cope with the increased stress, many Americans will be taking the edge off with alcohol. Of those reporting worry, 26% of respondents said they would be drinking beer, and 23% will be consuming wine. 15% reported that they will be "going hard" on election night by pounding liquor. Some people said they would smoking weed on election day.
Some Americans also reported a plan to stress eat while they eagerly awaiting the results of the election. 46% of those polled plan to have junk food on hand. While 42% said they would stuff themselves with pizza to bury their election anxiety (https://brobible.com/culture/article/election-day-results-stress-americans-eating-drinking/).
Please do not let these numbers include you! Remember to take care of yourself during this tumultuous time. I am not judging a glass of wine or even some leftover trick or treat candy (I really cannot because I have gone there the past few days as well). But this is definitely not the time or the season to forget your self-care. I want to share a few tips that are helping me get through this:
Put on some upbeat music. Mu current favorite is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4THFRpw68oQ
Go for a walk. Sitting around dwelling about worse case scenarios is about the equivalent of taking poison right now and dying a slow painful death. Get out and do something! I went and bought a new Christmas tree last night... Anything is better than sitting and watching your phone or TV awaiting updates.
Find something else to focus your energy on. Put on a movie (and simultaneously put down your phone and actually WATCH the movie), read a book, start a new art or craft project, work on your Christmas shopping list or your holiday meal. Refocusing is so mentally healthy and gets you out of dark places!
Treat yourself sensibly! There is nothing wrong with a scoop of ice cream, however be careful to not eat your feelings right now. Or drink your feelings... Take care of yourself and be kind to your self as wisely as possible.
Whatever you do, please do not forget yourself, while we are all so preoccupied with worry about the fate of our great nation. Give yourself a break!
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