7 Ways to Survive Post-Election Stress
Posted on November 8, 2016
This year’s presidential election process left many Americans feeling stressed. And just because the election is over doesn’t mean everyone will be feeling better.
According to a recent American Psychological Association survey, 52 percent of adults listed the presidential election as a source of stress in their lives.
Dr. Elise Labbé-Coldsmith, chair of the USA department of psychology, provides seven coping tips to help you have a smooth post-election landing. Dr. Labbé-Coldsmith’s research areas include studying the evaluation and treatment of pain and stress. Her tips include:
- Turn the television and radio off. Take a break from social media.
- Get eight hours of sleep and limit your worry time.
- Write down your concerns about the election. No matter what, life will go on. Research shows that people who keep a journal on their thoughts and feelings experience less stress than those who don’t.
- Talk about the positive aspects of how the election can be helpful.
- Maintain a balanced perspective regarding what’s good about our democracy. Keep in mind that our government has checks and balances that help maintain a more just system.
- Exercise, meditate or do progressive muscle relaxation to help release tension in your body. Research demonstrates that when a person is experiencing stress, their sympathetic nervous system becomes activated. Physical activity and/or physical relaxation exercises helps reduce sympathetic nervous system activation, which results in feeling more relaxed both physically and mentally.
- Engage in a creative and/or fun activity. Research suggests that engaging in pleasurable and creative activities help people put stressful experiences in perspective. Focusing on positive events allows people to be in the present, which in turns helps reduce the stress response.
People who need help coping with stress can contact the South Alabama Psychology Clinic at (251) 460-7149; for more information visit the clinic website. The clinic offers low-cost services for children, adults, and families, including psychological testing and counseling, martial counseling and stress management.
Archive Search
Latest University News
-
Drawing Attention
South animation artists are successfully competing in film competition...
November 25, 2024 -
USA Set for Annual Holiday Concert
South's annual Holiday Concert will be held December 5, 2024, and will...
November 22, 2024 -
First Resort
A hospitality graduate works her way through college and starts her ca...
November 13, 2024 -
USA by the Bay Speaker Series Features Dr. Richard Carter
The next USA by the Bay Speaker Series event will be held Nov. 21, at ...
November 6, 2024