How I am Turning Down the Volume on My Election Day Stress

You’re not alone if you’re feeling extra stress and anxiety today; I know I am, as are most Americans. With news updates pinging constantly, high-stakes conversations around every corner, and so much at stake, it feels like someone turned my stress level up to 11.

So today, in an attempt to keep my stress and anxiety in check, I made myself a little mental health game plan and thought maybe a few of these ideas could help others find some calm as well.

My election day mental health game plan

Focus on what you can control and protect your peace. 

There’s a lot about today that’s out of our hands, and honestly, fixating on the uncontrollable is just going to drive me up the wall. What can I control? My vote! I used Washington State’s handy ballot tracker this morning to double-check that my ballot was doing alright. She is.

 I’ve also kept my news and social media exposure to a minimum—the talking heads will still be talking tomorrow. Remember, most media outlets make money from ads, which means they need clicks, so they will generate the most clickbaity content they can. Resist the temptation! 

I put a moratorium on political discussions because they will just get me worked up, which will not affect the outcome but will affect my peace. Psychology also backs this up; it is known as “co-rumination,” which basically means rehashing stress with others. The American Psychological Association says that instead of easing our minds, it actually increases anxiety. That is the last thing anyone needs! 

Engage in non-election activities.

Instead of doom-scrolling, I’ve spent today engaging in non-election-related activities, like going on a long walk with my dog, Dolly Barkin. Studies show exercise and pets are amazing stress-busters. If you don’t have a pet, here is a photo of mine; it's not as good as giving her a scritch behind the ears, but it has to be better than nothing, right?

Nikki's Dog, Dolly Barkin, posing with a portrait of her by Jena Rockwood

You know what else I did? I took a nap, and it was awesome. Research shows that even a quick nap has real benefits for stress management. Seriously, even just 20 minutes can boost your mood.

To top it all off, tonight, while other people are glued to their TVs and phones watching the election results come in, I will be stuffing myself with comfort food in a snuggy while I binge-watch the latest season of What We Do in the Shadows. Watching a bunch of vampires try to figure out modern life while I am wearing a blanket with sleeves is exactly the kind of low-stakes night I need right now. The results will still be there in the morning.

Be kind and patient to yourself and others. 

I put a sticky note on my desk that says, “I am gentle with myself and those around me,” as a small reminder to practice patience. It is a hard day, and snapping at each other will only make it worse. We’re all just doing our best here.

Give back to your community. 

Studies show that giving back, like donating, volunteering, and serving your community, reduces stress by increasing our sense of connection and purpose. So, while a second nap sounded really nice, I spent today doing what I love: supporting the health and well-being of hardworking musicians as the Communications & Outreach Manager at SMASH. Serving the music community is truly an honor, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supports SMASH; without you, my job or SMASH wouldn't exist. Thank you for standing with us and loving our region’s musicians.

So, if you want to feel those warm fuzzy feelings you get from giving back, I encourage you to make a donation to SMASH today. Your generous donation makes an immediate impact, providing local musicians with the care they need to keep doing what they do best: making the music we love, which sounds like a win-win to me.

Stay strong tonight! I know today has been intense for many of us, but small acts of self-care and compassion can make it more manageable. Keep your chin up! We're going to make it through.

p.s. If you are a musician, you might qualify for free and low-cost healthcare through SMASH, including mental health support. Click here to learn more and join today!