UPDATED: October 2024----And just like that, it's another presidential election. And much like the hurricanes that are ravaging the South, many of us feel like we're being hit by an unrelenting storm of divisiveness, worry, wars, misinformation, and blame. I originally wrote this post for the 2020 election. Some things have changed, but I'm sad to say that much of this post still applies.
Like everything 20-20, our lives have become unpredictable, overwhelming, and 'super-sized'. I keep wanting it just to be a bad Halloween horror movie that will eventually end. But like our now silly belief that our lives will go back to normal once COVID is over, I'm getting the sense that this may not ever go back to life as we once knew it.
Unfortunately, this is real. This entire year is real and, on many days, it's too damn real. COVID, the election, systemic racism, protests, another black murder, political divisiveness, and life-altering natural disasters, it all feels never-ending and inescapable. It's a lot handle. Unfortunately for many of us, political divisions have permeated our daily lives and have wrought havoc on our mental health and interpersonal relationships at a time when emotional stability and community cooperation are vital.
Change often takes time. It rarely happens all at once. -John Lewis
Now, despite all that, let us take a collective deep breath and a step back. While it's true that much of this is beyond our control, there are things we can do to help ourselves and one another and, perhaps in a small way, even our country. The first powerful step, of course, is by voting, VOTE! No matter what your political beliefs are, please express them through voting. Your voices, your perspectives, your opinions, matter, and need to be heard and counted.
The other thing that I encourage every citizen to do is to hound our newly elected officials to do something to ensure that our election concerns are addressed and reformed. The true threat to our democracy is not one political party or the other. I believe that the true threat is our lack of confidence in our election system itself.
In the midst of all that is going on, we've outlined ten strategies we hope you will find helpful in navigating your way through the stress of this year's election. Hang in there everyone. We WILL get through this challenging time.
#1: Take conscious control of your news intake.
We here at Shepard Moon absolutely believe in staying informed. But, we also believe your mental health shapes how you take in this information and what you do with it. The reality is everything is changing rapidly right now. Taking in information for the sole purpose of information gathering can often increase anxiety and leave you feeling even more helpless and powerless. However, taking in information so you can take meaningful action can help you feel a sense of purpose. Set specific times and sources from which to get your information; clearly understand your motives for why you're seeking to be informed; then get back to your day.#2: Be rigorous about your self-care routine
It can be especially easy right now to get off your game. Getting adequate rest, eating right, enjoying a regular workout schedule, taking a nightly bath, taking walks and connecting with those you love are all things that feed your spirit and safeguard your mental health. Put down your electronics and concentrate on practices that bring calm and contribute to balance in your life. We'd love to be a part of your plan with your nightly Shepard Moon bath!
#3: Plan for difficult conversations.
Many people are actively avoiding uncomfortable conversations with friends and family, but that is not always possible. Instead of worrying about such situations, plan ahead for how you can handle them or how to deftly pivot away. Grab a friend and practice mock conversations ahead of time to build your confidence then have a clear self-care plan for afterward. Do not stress about avoiding them, instead prepare yourself, be consciously mindful of your self-care, and know when you really do need to step away.
#4 Step away by being helpful.
Another easy and practical tip whenever you find yourself in an uncomfortable group or family situation is to see where you may be helpful. Instead of feeling trapped, unhappy, and looking for any excuse to escape, get up and act by doing something useful. Ask the host if there is anything you can do to help. Clear plates or gather and take out the garbage. Go into the kitchen and wash dishes. There's a reason the Buddha (and many other people of wisdom) said, "The source of all suffering is selfishness and self-centeredness. The path to free ourselves from this suffering is selfless service to others."
#5. Avoid toxic social media.
Even more so than our polarizing news media, social media can produce negative outcomes for our mental health, relationships, and peace of mind. This happens with or without an election, social unrest, or global pandemic! If you can't stay completely off social media, at least limit your engagement and definitely avoid pages and forums that expose you to divisive rhetoric or inflammatory comments. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes max then unplug when it goes off. It is mind-boggling how addictive social media can be. In fact, this is a practice we might all benefit from well beyond the election season!
#6. Listen to something inspiring.
Listening non-stop to news updates—or worse yet, talk radio—can be a sure-fire way to becoming more anxious and miserable. There's a lot going on right now and even the healthiest of us find ourselves struggling to stay grounded, hopeful, and balanced. It's a great time to listen to audiobooks or podcasts that are positive, inspiring, or even funny! Be gentle to yourself when choosing. It's probably not a great time to heal your 'family of origin' issues or 'how to quiet your inner critic'. Need some suggestions? Try John Lewis' Across That Bridge' or Ruth Bader Ginsberg's In My Own Words.
#7. Ask for help.
Oftentimes, when we're having a difficult time, we look around and it seems like everyone else is doing okay and we're the only one struggling, This thought leaves us feeling weak, alone, and inadequate. Trust us, they're not doing as well as they might seem. It's amazing the stories people tell after they've had a couple of baths! Reach out to a mental health provider or another reputable resource if you're feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes talking about election anxiety with friends and family can just lead to more anxiety-stoking political conversations. It can help to talk to a trained professional about your anxieties and work through them in a constructive manner. If you need it, text HELLO to 741-741 to access the public crisis hotline and talk to someone now.
#8. Volunteer to help someone else!
The best way to get out of our own heads and mentally escape what's going on is to help others. If you've been laid off and find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, you are likely struggling more with feelings of depression, hopelessness, and anxiety. Volunteering may sound like a lot, but it might just end up being the most helpful thing right now. In any case, whether you have time to volunteer or not, one of the best things all of us can do is check in with others and do something helpful for someone else. It can be as simple as a phone call to check in with older relatives or friends. Another idea: volunteer to help a work-at-home parent with something that would make their lives easier or just drop off a small gift and a card to let them know you're thinking of them. (We think a Shepard Moon Bath is a GREAT IDEA!)
Figure out ahead of time, what would be the healthiest thing you can do for yourself on election day --then stick to the plan.
#9. Make an Election Day Plan.
This year's presidential race has been a doozy no matter what your political beliefs. Who would have predicted we'd be facing enormous concerns about our very democracy? This year, more than ever, it makes sense to make an election day plan. We suggest beginning the day with self-care. Get up early, get some exercise, and take a long, hot bath! Prepare your favorite breakfast or take the day off and go for a hike. Another suggestion: set healthy boundaries. Take a conscious break from everyone who is not part of your inner-circle. Depending on how things play out, you might choose to consciously do this for several days following the election. Finally, allow yourself to feel what you feel. There is a lot at stake and we've gone through a lot this year. It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling. Comfort yourself like you would a child you love. But figure out ahead of time, what would be the healthiest thing you can do for you on election day and then stick to the plan.
#10. Know that: 'This too shall pass.'
No matter what happens, try not to let the election or its results impact your self-care routine more than need be. In the end, life will move on regardless of the results. Do what you can to get back to your life, focus on the tasks you need to accomplish in your day or week, and remain engaged in your community—especially if the election results are not what you would have preferred. Take a step back a make a list of all the things in your life that seemed disastrous that turned out to be pivotal for your greater good. Sometimes the best things are built upon the foundation of the rubble of the old ways after they've been destroyed. Whatever you do, be mindful and prepare to take care of yourself during this stressful time.
Times like these, test our very strength and conviction, both as individuals and as a community. We cannot promise this election will go the way you want, nor that the pandemic and all its implications will leave you unharmed. That said, as a small business that has fought through various national crises by creating healthy products for our community for 21 years, we know a thing or two about perseverance, strength, and building healthy connections. In the end, we wish you and your loved ones all the blessings of health, strength, resolve, and safety, whether that includes one of our organic Epsom salt baths or not--though we highly recommend them!