I have written a lot recently about the anticipation and anxiety about the upcoming American election. The whole world is watching, waiting, preparing, and evidently even betting on the outcome. It is a big deal, especially while we are also experiencing a world-wide pandemic and civil unrest. There is a lot at stake, and I certainly don't have to tell you that!
So, as we near the day so many have been waiting for, election day, there is a lot to think about, but I am going to argue today that the best way to deal with the anxiety and anticipation is to stay busy and stay distracted. Avoid the temptation to continually check the news feed for updates on the scandals and vote counts. Research suggests that we can reduce (not eliminate) our stress and anxiety when waiting by staying busy and distracting ourselves.
Action and distraction does not mean denial. There is really no way to deny that we are in the midst of a very serious shit show, so no, I am not saying the appropriate action is to deny this is a very chaotic time and a very impactful election cycle. I am saying that we can maintain our own resilience for what comes after (and by the way, yes, the pandemic doesn't wait or shift with the election's passing) November 3rd.
Action.
If you CAN vote, vote. That is a good action to take right now. Drop off a ballot in a ballot box, or get in the voting line with plenty of supplies for the wait.
Encourage others to vote. Engage in intellectual discourse (not character bashing) about the elections. Just make sure you do that with patience and caution.
Help others who want to vote but are struggling for some reason. Do this safely; we are still in a pandemic!
Move. I don't mean move out of your residence, although that idea has struck me several times during this shit show of a year. I mean go for a walk, run, hike, whatever form of exercise you enjoy. Do some stress relieving yoga. It is amazing what 30 minutes of yoga will do for your body and your mind.
Create something. Bake, cook, take pictures, write, paint, play music. However creativity manifests in you, let it. Encourage it. Invite it to pour through you into the world.
Act generously or altruistically. Do something to help a neighbor, friend, family member, or stranger. Take food to people in the voting line. Go cheer them on from a distance. Help your local homeless shelter or food bank in a way that is covid careful.
One of my favorite ways to combine actions is to bake something decadent, like cinnamon raisin bread, and then deliver a loaf or two to neighbors. That way, I don't eat it all, and they get to enjoy something home made, and we get to connect.
Clean house. This is one of my favorite ways to stay busy when I am stressed out. And the outcome, a clean house, is a nice benefit. This one is even better when paired with some uplifting music. :)
Rearrange the furniture. My husband doesn't understand this one. But some of you will, hopefully. I am not alone in my desire to rearrange the furniture every once in a while, am I? Come on! It is a nice change, you get to clean extra well under all the furniture because YOU MOVED IT, and it is creative. How many ways can you arrange the living room furniture and still keep the TV near an outlet, and with a strong internet signal? Creativity.
Distraction.
First, the actions are distractions. But there are other things that are more about slowing down, being still, and distracting yourself.
Read a book. That has nothing to do with the 2020 shit show. Something that will grab your attention, draw you in, help pass time without realizing it. A good mystery, or autobiography.
Meditate. Research has shown many mental and physical benefits from meditation practice, and the good news is you can start to feel those benefits rather quickly. Start with 10-15 minutes per session, once or twice each day. Build up to 20 minutes as you feel comfortable doing so. Your brain wires differently the more you practice meditation. It helps you gain perspective, alleviate stress, act more patiently, focus more clearly.
Take a nap. Sometimes, a good nap can help rejuvenate. I don't know about you, but I have had some sleepless nights lately. I don't take naps, I have never been able to appreciate them, or feel more rested afterward. One reason you might feel the same is because you don't nap long enough, or too long. Our sleep cycle runs for 90 minutes, and a good night's sleep is a combination of several 90 minute sleep cycles. So, a nap should be 90 minutes, allowing your body and brain to naturally work through the entire cycle. If you set an alarm for a 30 minute nap, you are forcing yourself to wake up in the middle of a deep part of the sleep cycle and you are likely to feel groggy. Not rested. Likewise, a 2 hour nap will culminate in the same result. So, a nap or a good night's sleep is best when practiced in 90 minute cycles. A good night's sleep is not actually 8 hours, but either 7 1/2 or 9. Preferably 7 1/2. 9 is a lot!
Back to the nap... if you are like me and don't get into naps (which my husband practices regularly and scoffs when I say I don't).... try just lying down and closing your eyes for 90 minutes anyway. Let your heart slow down, your muscles and breathing relax, and your mind drift.
Just sit and think positively about the future. Not about the election. Think about what you will do after the election and the pandemic. The good stuff. Think about what life will be like when we have conquered some of the big issues facing us right now. Think about some simple things: Think about a future vacation. A future birthday celebration. A future work life. A future social activity with friends. A future holiday without a pandemic. Think about the future in an optimistic way and make some plans for it while you just sit still.
That is it for today. I am going to take my puppy for a walk outside, and then get to the busy-ness of a work day!
Be well, stay safe, take care.