We all should know how important mental health is. However during the election season, from ads, to debates, the election process can burn us all out. So what are some techniques can you add to your self care routine that will assist you in keeping boundaries, practice self care, and encourage less of a political burnout?
Setting Political Boundaries
Does anyone remember what took place in the 2016 elections? So many of us were fighting with family, friends, and even strangers on the internet about who they were voting for. One of the ways to set a political boundary is to make sure that you don’t let that happen. Here are my suggestion on political boundaries:
- Set guardrails with family and friends
- Disengage with others online especially strangers
- Block accounts that seem to have a heavily political overtone
Here is why setting guardrails work? I know who I am voting for this time around. I don’t need to make church announcements. In addition to not having to overly announce, I don’t have to force others to believe like me. There are major issues that focus on the core of who we are. No one candidate has all of the boxes checked for many people. Remember that. Unless who they are voting for reals bigger issues such as racial undertones, elect to mind the business that pays you. Disengage with others online on politics. It’s not your job to convince. To be honest, it is the job of the candidates to do their job and obtain the vote. None of us are up for election. I tell myself this often. So when I see someone voting differently than I am I focus on my facts and reasons without using it as a weapon.
Block people who tend to mess with your mental health in general. If you find that something someone has posted, either mute them. stop following, or even block. Let blocking be your last resort especially if it is someone you know. I tend to block folks in real life before I block them on socials.
Mental Health and Disinformation
I have been doing a lot when it comes to politics. When I graduated from Penn State it was with a Political Science major. They taught us well to look at trends and how to decipher the outcomes and more. Even with a political science background I know how important it is to weed through misinformation. Sometimes you disturb your mental health by being too engaged in click bait. Consider the source before you go off. If it’s not a vetted source do not give it your attention. Acknowledge that you saw it and that it makes you feel triggered. Proceed to find reputable information and move forward.
Encourage your friends and family to do the same no matter who they are voting for. Your vetted sources for politics need to be from reputable sources that are only reporting the facts and not playing political Jenga for your votes.
- Associated Press
- BBC
- C-Span
- CNN
There are a few more but start with those. Make sure that you check things on Factcheck.org too as they are a great source as well.
Consider allowing less News into your world
The last time I watched the news was during the Insurrection that took place on the capitol. I honestly didn’t watch it before then either. The reason is for my self care and mental health it is too much. Whenever I do visit family and friends who watch it it’s always filled with death, foolishness, and foolery. I like to keep that to a minimal. The reason is simple for me, it takes too much of my joy. My kids don’t need to see it either. Whenever some big story is happening, people will spread it faster than good news. Then I will go check the events against verified news.
Mental Health and Politics
Take care of you during these next few months. Less arguing with folks online. I have many collaborations with political entities but I like to keep the space limited on my socials. No on wants to see a full on page of politics. It is important to incorporate it as life does reveal around the decisions that either candidate will ensue. It doesn’t have to be the only thing that I do. Consider increasing your self care and protecting your peace. Touch grass, journal your anxiety, increase the things that bring you personal joy, get your kids away from their phones and television, take a trip, and so much more.
I hope you add these practices to your life during this time and beyond. Do not get weighed down by all of the things that are taking place around you. Be informed but don’t spread or take in misinformation. Before you share it, check it. Disengage with things or people who are overly involved into things that trigger you in all aspects of your life. No matter where you are make sure that you are registered to vote. So many people will argue online but aren’t registered. Take the conversation offline and into the booth where it matters.
