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If it feels like politics is stressing you out more than ever, you’re not alone. Whether it's an upcoming election, debates on social media, or just the 24/7 news cycle, political anxiety can leave you feeling drained, angry, or even hopeless. The American Psychological Association (APA) has found that political issues are a top source of stress for many Americans. And if you’ve ever felt your heart race while scrolling through the news or gotten into a heated argument with a family member, you know exactly what that stress feels like. So, how do you stay informed and engaged without letting politics take over your mental health? Let’s talk about some ways to bring back your peace. Take Control of Your News & Social Media Habits Let’s be honest—doomscrolling never makes us feel better. Staying informed is important, but there’s a fine line between being aware and being consumed. Try these simple boundaries: ✅ Limit news time to once or twice a day (instead of constantly checking updates) ✅ Choose trusted sources instead of getting lost in social media debates ✅ Take a break if political content is making you anxious Studies show that setting healthy boundaries with news consumption can help lower stress levels. It’s okay to step away—your mental health matters more than any headline. Remind Yourself: Your Feelings Are Valid Feeling anxious, frustrated, or even sad about political events is completely normal . You care about what’s happening in the world, and that’s a good thing. But instead of bottling up your emotions (which can make anxiety worse), try these healthy ways to process them: ✏️ Journal it out – Writing down your thoughts can help clear your mind 🎧 Talk it out – Vent to a friend, therapist, or support group 🧘‍♀️ Breathe through it – Simple breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system Dr. April C. Kelly from Elizabethtown College emphasizes the power of mindfulness in managing stress. When we take a moment to pause, breathe, and ground ourselves , we give our minds a break from the chaos. Focus on What You Can Control Political anxiety often comes from a feeling of helplessness —like no matter what you do, nothing will change. But you do have power, even if it doesn’t feel that way. Here’s how to channel your energy into productive action : ✔️ Volunteer for a cause you believe in ✔️ Donate to organizations that align with your values ✔️ Vote and encourage others to do the same ✔️ Engage in local community work (small changes make a big difference!) Taking action can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of empowerment —helping you feel like you’re making a real impact. Protect Your Peace in Conversations We’ve all been there—an innocent conversation turns into a heated debate, and suddenly, you’re emotionally exhausted. While discussing politics is important, it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being. If a conversation is getting too stressful, try these boundary-setting phrases: 🛑 “I respect your opinion, but I’d rather not get into this right now.” 🛑 “I don’t think this conversation is productive for either of us.” 🛑 “Let’s agree to disagree and talk about something else.” Protecting your peace doesn’t mean ignoring important issues—it just means choosing when and how you engage. Prioritize Self-Care When stress is high, self-care is more important than ever. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re recharging in ways that help you feel good. 🌿 Go for a walk outside – Nature is a natural stress reliever 🧘‍♂️ Try meditation or deep breathing – Even five minutes can help 🎨 Do something creative – Art, music, or journaling can be therapeutic 🤣 Laugh! – Watch a funny show or spend time with people who make you smile The key? Balance. Politics is part of life, but it shouldn’t take over your entire life. When to Seek Professional Support If political anxiety is making it hard to focus, sleep, or enjoy life, it might be time to reach out for extra support . Therapy isn’t about ignoring the world—it’s about finding healthier ways to cope so you can stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. A mental health professional can help you: 💡 Manage stress and anxiety in a way that works for you 💡 Learn grounding techniques to feel more present and in control 💡 Set healthy boundaries so political stress doesn’t consume your life You don’t have to go through this alone. If political anxiety is weighing on you, reaching out for help is one of the strongest things you can do. Final Thoughts: You Deserve Peace It’s okay to care deeply about the world around you. But it’s also okay to step back and take care of yourself. By setting boundaries, focusing on what you can control, and prioritizing your mental well-being, you can stay informed and engaged without letting politics steal your peace. And if you need extra support? Therapy is always here to help. References: American Psychological Association. (2024, October). How to manage election stress and anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/election Kelly, A. C. (2022). How mindfulness can help you navigate political stress. Elizabethtown College Psychology Blog. Time Magazine. (2024). Stressed about the election? Here's where to find help. Retrieved from https://time.com/7096438/election-stress-crisis-text-line-988 Vox. (2024). Your guide to coping with election anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/even-better/379814/election-anxiety-stress-coping-strategies-control-community The Atlantic. (2024). Election anxiety is telling you something. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2024/10/election-anxiety-moral-rational/680402

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