Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
When I think of politics, I think of heated arguments and friendships that have been broken beyond repair. Hours of anger and indignation, stressing over something we can do very little to change. Yes, we can vote for our selected candidate, but why do we have to constantly defend our stance? Isn’t there a reason for privacy in the voting booth?
In my younger years I didn’t even know who my friends were voting for, nor did I care. We had other things to worry about like whose car we would drive to the movies, or our vacation to Yosemite. We went out dancing, to the beach and to fun parties with friends. Sure, we researched the candidates, as best we could. After all, we had no world wide web to tell us what we should think and feel. Then we went on with our lives. Pure and simple really.
It’s a different world today. Politics is not just a topic for debate clubs or dinner table discussions; it has become a suffocating force that can significantly impact our mental and physical well-being. The current political atmosphere, marked by division and uncertainty, has become a source of chronic stress and anxiety for many, affecting both mental and physical health negatively across a broad swath of the population.
Anxiety in this context is not just a fleeting feeling but a constant state that can adversely affect our daily lives. It’s a unique form of stress that can lead to lost sleep, shortened tempers, and obsessive thoughts. This political anxiety is distinctly different from general anxiety, with its unique impact on emotional well-being and society as a whole.
The health impacts of anxiety are well-documented. Chronic anxiety can interfere with your quality of life and can also have serious consequences on your physical health. It can affect the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and respiratory systems, leading to symptoms like rapid breathing or heart rate, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, and insomnia.
So, how does one cope with the anxiety brought on by the political climate? Here are some strategies that can help:
Regulate Exposure to Political Information:
Constantly watching and reading political news can increase your anxiety a hundred-fold. It’s essential to stay informed, but also to take breaks from the news to allow your mind to rest and recover. I rarely watch the news myself. It’s biased and you can’t really trust what you hear. The newscasters don’t just report what’s going on; they give constant unasked for commentary.
Foster Positive Social Connections:
Engaging in positive social interactions can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation that often accompany anxiety. This can involve joining community groups, participating in social activities, or simply spending time with loved ones.
Exercise:
Physical activity can be a great way to manage stress and anxiety. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, yoga, or any form of exercise you enjoy, it can help release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, prayer or guided imagery can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Yes, painting, knitting and arts and crafts count too.
Seek Professional Help:
If anxiety becomes overwhelming, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide personalized strategies and support. They can help with mindfulness exercises and just listen without argument and conflict.
In conclusion, while the political atmosphere can be a source of stress and anxiety, there are ways to manage its impact on our health. By adopting healthy coping mechanisms and seeking support when needed, we can navigate these turbulent times with resilience and maintain our well-being.
Remember, it’s okay to seek help and it’s important to take care of your mental health just as you would your physical health. In a world where politics feels inescapable (even impossible) finding balance is key to staying healthy and grounded.
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