Our current political climate has many people feeling tense, overwhelmed, and even worried or downright scared, regardless of where you land on the ideological spectrum and how the new orders may impact you. Unprecedented decisions are being made that affect ALL of us, and it’s not abnormal to be feeling, or reeling, from the enormity and constancy of the news cycle .
We live in a world where it’s easy to get information whenever you want it, and even whenever you don’t want it. Unfortunately, that isn’t always a good thing.
While it’s important to stay informed about what’s going on in the world and in our own “backyards,” you might be unwittingly saturating yourself with so much information (and misinformation) that it’s causing or contributing to political anxiety.
If you find yourself struggling with political anxiety, you’re not alone. However, you also don’t have to perpetuate it without intentionally doing so. Let’s take a look at how you can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.
Limit Your Media Exposure
From television to social media to podcasts and blogs, it seems like political information is everywhere you turn. Technology at your fingertips can be useful for many things. But, it makes it difficult to escape information overload.
One of the best things you can do to ease political anxiety is to limit your media intake. Again, it’s important to stay informed. So, choose a specific time each day to get your information, and choose a reliable source. Then, stay away from political news or social media news-related posts for the rest of the day.
It may also help to choose just one of two topics coming up in the media that mean the most to you and focus on those when you consume news coverage or current events related media. I know, there are SO MANY to choose from. But if you try to focus on too many, you will burn out.
Be aware of how much time you typically spend fueling your political stress. Even if you’re limiting your news exposure, do you get in online discussions about things? Do you spend time with people who only seem to want to talk about politics? Limiting all of these interactions in your life can make a big difference.
Be Open to New Perspectives
Some people’s political anxiety stems from what they don’t know. After all, anxiety is fueled by the “what ifs” of life. You might be so worried about what a certain political party is doing that you don’t take the time to research what’s really going on.
Don’t be afraid to open your mind to new perspectives. Maybe that candidate isn’t as bad as you thought they were. Maybe their ideas and suggestions might make sense. Even if you don’t agree with them on everything, informing yourself about what they are really doing might ease some of your worries. The sound bytes alone will not give you a full understanding.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is always important. When you’re struggling with anxiety due to the current political climate, it’s even more essential to find things that boost your well-being.
That looks different for everyone, and it doesn’t necessarily have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Prioritize sleep, stay physically active, eat healthy meals, and find ways to reduce stress. If you find yourself doom scrolling and wondering where the time has gone, reading a real book, mindful coloring, cooking, or spending time with friends can go a long way to calm your nervous system and give you some breathing room to manage your stress.
When it comes to combating anxiety, practices like mindfulness, meditation, and journaling if you’re so inclined can help you stay grounded in the present, making it easier to silence negative, anxious thoughts.
Talk to Someone
It might seem difficult to escape conversations about today’s political climate. Setting boundaries with people who want to argue politics all the time, or just talk about current events, is essential for your well-being. But, if those people happen to be close friends or family, what do you do?
Having someone to talk to about your anxiety is necessary, and your current inner circle is a great place to start. But, if you’re concerned they might not understand or they tend to fuel the political fire, consider reaching out for professional help.
A mental health professional can help you better understand where your anxiety is coming from and why it has such an impact. We’ll also work on symptom management strategies and ways to work through and eventually overcome your anxious thoughts.
If you’re ready to start those conversations, we’re here to help.
