Mental Health and Self-Care Tips for This Election Day
Election Day is an exciting opportunity to shape our future. It can also be deeply stressful. It’s important to vote and stay engaged, but it’s equally important to take care of your mental and emotional health today (and every day!) We’ve collected a resource roundup of ten stress-reduction and self-care tips for Election Day— all compiled from Dr. Calvin Chin, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Princeton, Mr. Momo Wolapaye, Director of Student Life of Whitman College at Princeton, and various national media publications.
1. Be Kind to Yourself
It is normal to feel a range of emotions during election season. Practice giving the compassion to yourself that you would give to a friend who came to you for support. Make sure to keep up healthy food and sleep routines. And remember that there is no one “right” way to take care of yourself: you have to do what is healthy for you.
From Dr. Chin, in an email to the Press Club: “BE PRESENT: Use reflection to recognize your inner thoughts and feelings. Be curious and non-judgmental and give yourself permission to feel the way you do. Although avoiding can be useful, ‘stuffing’ or ignoring strong emotions can have negative impacts.”
2. Turn Off the Tech and News
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of election media. Make space today, even if it’s for a few minutes at a time, to self-interrupt your media consumption and take a break. If you’re worried about missing important information, try asking someone you know to be a “push notification friend,” texting you any major updates that arise while you take a break from the news.
From Dr. Chin: “UNPLUG: Limit your consumption of social media and the 24-hour non-stop images. It’s important to stay informed, but creating boundaries is important.”
3. Be in Another Environment
Get up from where you are and move around in your space, or go to another room. If you are able to be outside, go for a walk and breathe the fresh air. Nature is healing, but so is being in a different physical location in your house for a change of pace.
4. Exercise, Move Your Body
From going on walks and runs, to at-home YouTube workouts, to simply walking in place, there are many ways to get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing to reduce stress.
From Mr. Wolapaye, in an email to Whitman College students:: “Conside[r] what physical activities and movement you can engage in for stress reduction…. We can often feel distress in our bodies, so pay attention to what your body is saying it needs.”
5. Shift Your Mindset: Personal
Breathe, and remember that you are O.K. in each individual moment in time. If meditation works for you, go for it. If not, try using this “bubble” mindset: you are in a bubble of protection from outside media and news. There are also various breathing and mental techniques you can use to focus on your body (feet, diaphragm, five finger breathing methods…)
6. Shift Your Mindset: Election
Remember that the country’s progress is tied to a larger network beyond one single person: we have survived elections before this one, and we will survive this one too, regardless of the outcome. Prepare for election results to take a while, and look for moments of hope in the election process.
7. Connect with People
Spend time with your family and friends, and check in with your support system. Make time to engage, virtually or safely in person, with people that make you feel safe and happy.
From Dr. Chin: “CONNECT: Engage with supportive friends and allies…. Not everyone will share your perspective, so it’s OK to limit your topics and avoid heated conflict.”
From Mr. Wolapaye: “You can alleviate some stress when you constructively communicate about an issue that really bothers you…. Know that your feelings are normal and others may be experiencing the same things too so by talking to them, you could get valuable support.”
8. Distract Yourself with Positive Activities
Read. Sing and dance. Journal. Cook or bake. Make art. Clean your space. Plan your schedule or upcoming holiday traditions. Whatever brings you joy and is a healthy distraction, do it.
From Mr. Wolapaye: “Do things that you usually find enjoyable, even if it feels a little harder to feel motivated right now…. Tak[e] time to renew your spirit through prayer, meditation or helping others. ”
9. Be of Service
Speaking of helping others, being involved in organized volunteering or informal acts of service can help relieve stress and support your community at the same time.
From Dr. Chin: “DO SOMETHING: Channel what you’re feeling into positive, meaningful activity. Be informed and proactive around issues that matter to you. Find ways to engage in your community through advocacy in ways that fit for you.”
10. Reach Out to a Professional
It is healthy to reach out to someone if you need to, and there are several Princeton resources available to you, as well as outside services.
Dr. Chin encouraged students to connect with CPS counselors. From Mr. Wolapaye: “Bottom line: guidance and support is within reach.”
Mr. Wolapaye sent this additional list of university support resources:
"• CPS (available 24/7 at 609-258-3141)
• The Ombuds office can help you mediate conflicts with others.
• The RCAs and PHAs are also trained in having difficult conversations and can assist.
• SHARE"
You matter, and deserve mental, emotional, and physical well-being during this election season.
MH ‘22 and SC ‘21 also contributed reporting for this article.