Self Care Tips In Unprecedented Times
Election 2024
Election season is stressful, especially when there’s so much riding on our vote this time around. There was even a study done on how people are feeling during this election cycle, which, is like–sure, tell us something we don’t know?
So naming the problem is the first step. The next step is figuring out what to do with all the stress, and some of that looks like self-care. Self-care is the buzziest of buzz terms but we’re talking about more than face masks and foot massages. We’re talking about radical steps you can take to cope with the uncertainty of it all, and controlling the things you can control.
Because at the end of the day, we can’t make change if we’re empty shells, right? That’s why we made a list (by no means comprehensive) of things to consider when taking care of yourself in the days ahead.
Make a self-care plan
First things first. What specific things do you plan on doing before and after the election? Do you have a way to get to the polls? Who are you going to hang out with on election night? Do you want to watch live election coverage or go to bed early after taking a post-voting yoga class?
Making a plan helps remind you about what you have control over and what you don’t. You can control what you do for yourself in the days leading up to and after the election. This article from Vox has excellent ideas on how making a plan can improve your outlook on the elections.
Acknowledge your emotions
Allow yourself to feel sadness, fear, and anxiety without guilt or judgment. You can find a therapist or counselor to help process these emotions. And know that if you are in crisis there is help out there, call, text, or chat with someone through the 988 Lifeline 24/7/365.
Find legit news sources
There’s a lot of bad and misleading information floating around. How do you know what’s real and what isn’t? Start with organizations like the News Literacy Project, which aims to teach media literacy
According to this list from NAMI on "Practicing Self-Care During Election Season, " find news from nonpartisan sources like the Associated Press, PBS or NPR
Budget time and energy: Limit the time you spend with friends, or say no if you're not up to it.
Practice mindfulness: Try meditation, compassion-based practices, or journaling.
Take care of your body
Eat veggies/fruits/whole foods, get enough rest, hydrate, and move your body. Yes, a dance party in your living room counts!
Change the subject
It’s ok to say you don’t want to talk about anything that stresses you out.
Touch grass
Being in nature helps mental health and wellness–studies prove it.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. This article in the Mayo Clinic Press talks about the research and what you can do if you live in a city without access to the woods. In Rhode Island we’re lucky to have access to so much nature including water. The healing power of a beach walk is real.
Take screen-breaks
Put down your phone! No more doomscrolling please. Try stepping away from the phone or computer every hour or turn it off for longer if you can.
Find joy
Engage in activities that bring you happiness, such as reading, crafts, or hanging with pets.
Make a voting plan
- Be prepared at the ballot box: Rhode Islanders will decide whether to hold a constitutional convention this year. We are urging supporters of reproductive freedom to vote NO to reject Question 1 and protect our civil rights and freedoms.
- Check your registration status, find your polling place, and view a sample ballot at VOTE.RI.GOV
- Check local resources like this Trans Vote RI site, which has info on what to do if you’re voting while trans.
Are you trying to vote early?
- You can vote early in person through Monday, November 4, at your local board of canvassers or a location designated by your city or town. Check the Secretary of State’s website for early voting information, locations, and hours.
- If you plan to vote on Election Day (November 5), find your polling place. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Important: Your Election Day polling place may differ from your early voting location.
- Figure out the date and time you can get to the polls – and thank your poll workers!
- If you’re voting absentee, remember that your Town Clerk must receive all ballots by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Take local action
We can’t do our work without your support. You can always donate your money or time to help us continue this work. Sign up to get our emails to hear about what’s happening locally and how you can plug in.