The Election and Our Health
Election season is finally over. You probably don’t miss the angry debates, the constant onslaught of TV commercials, the rallies or the angry dialogue on social media. This election angered so many people while it played out. Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders certainly found ways to both connect with the American public and to utterly infuriate them.
No matter who you voted for you’re probably relieved that the election is over. The election likely left you happy that Trump won or sad or angry that Hillary lost. Even though it’s over, where does that leave you and your health?
There has been so much division and so much anger, both on social media and in real life; and it’s left many people estranged from friends and loved ones over political fervor. This was one of the most contentious elections in our history and few are unaffected by the outcome. As we witness a deepening divide between people - stress, anxiety and anger still linger - and that can literally bring about a whole host of illnesses. Letting those emotions take control of you will do nothing about your current situation. It will only damage you and your health. Here's how to stay mentally and physically healthy in the aftermath of the 2016 election.
Focus on What You Can Control
You have absolutely no control over what happens in the context of the federal government between now and the next election.You are free to make an impact and to be heard by contacting your representatives, but there is much that is out of your hands. Don’t let the situation spur you to overeat, binge drink, or self-medicate. Your wellness hinges on shifting your focus to matters that you actually have control over. Improve your wellbeing with a healthy diet, striving for self-betterment and avoiding the temptation to drown your sorrows with excessive amounts of alcohol or food. Relieve stress with regular workouts if possible. Exercise will get your mind off politics and onto something you have full control over – your body and physical fitness.
Don’t Dwell on Election Results
It is fine to be concerned about something that can directly impact your life on a personal level. However, being anxious before it happens isn’t going to help you keep a clear mind or a healthy lifestyle. If you allow it to consume you, you are doing yourself and your loved ones a disservice. Live your life. There are positive moments each day and wonderful things about the people around you. Notice them and enjoy them.
Let’s face it, no matter what the candidates said during the last year, no one knows what will actually take place in the next 4 years; so to stress over what might happen is counterproductive to your health.
Settle Into a Routine
If you have deviated from your usual routine during the election process, it is time to return to normalcy. Staying on the couch to watch the news networks and reading social media outrage (or gloating) won't get you anywhere - it certainly won’t get you back to normal. It is time to move on with life, regardless of whether your candidate won or lost. Once you get back into your normal routine you will feel much more like your true self. Offering the olive branch, working on the relationships that have been soured by arguments, and contributing to an atmosphere of peace can also help improve your health and wellbeing.
2 Helpful Tips
- Don’t watch or listen to too much news. Just because you have access to a 24-hour news cycle doesn’t mean you should be tuning in every chance you get. Get back to playing music in your car, at home watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
- Make a new rule for yourself: On social media share only funny and happy things. Don’t comment on any political posts. Same goes for email; get back to forwarding those jokes, not political rants. Get back to happy. Get back to laughing.
