Five Ways to Quell Your Election Anxiety

Chicago artist Mac Blackout's new mural encouraging Americans to get out and vote in the upcoming election.
Photo by Jennifer Griffin on Unsplash

Election Anxiety? We GOT you.

No lie. Here at AmPopsy, we’re scared. Nervous. Anxious. And so many other things right now. This may very well be the most important election of our lifetime, and after voting (and early, at that!), donating to our favorite candidates (Shout out to Mike Espy running for US Senate in Mississippi and, of course, the “Ridin’ with Biden” campaign), and encouraging everyone we know to vote Blue today, we’re climbing the walls as we wait on the election results.

So, in an effort to quell our anxiety and yours too, we came up with five wonderful ways to get your mind off of the election and just 2020 in general. Cause let’s face it, this year has been a BEAST.

  1. Take a Hike. LITERALLY.

If you’re blessed enough to call a warm weather state your home, get out and get movin’. A walk, a hike, a run – anything to get your blood pumping, your feet moving, and your mind off of all of this craziness.

And for those of you who do not live in a state that’s still hitting 80 degrees in November (Sorry, not sorry for you), you can still get your fitness on with an indoor workout like Yoga with Adriene (my fave) or a fantastic PopSugar session like Socanomics with Selena Watkins.  Just get moving!

2. Watch a scary movie or two (or three!)

I know, I know. We’re already living in times that are scary enough. But, for those of you who can always get down with a bit of delicious horror, we’ve got a few AmPopsy faves for you that are both scary entertaining and feature diverse casting. They include Bad Hair, Hulu’s “Bite Size Halloween”, Netflix’s “Two Sentence Horror Stories”, and a throwback animated favorite, “Spawn”, now streaming on HBO.

purple neon sign on plants
Photo by Victor Garcia on Unsplash

3. Get your podcast on.  

For those of you who can’t watch a movie in the middle of the afternoon or just prefer listening to your entertainment rather than watching it, take a load off with an excellent podcast or two. AmPopsy is a big-time fan of the one and only Podcaster Extraordinaire, Tracy Clayton, whose funny, delightful interviews with everyone from the Debbie Allen to the gorgeous Meagan Good will have you nodding your head and mmm-hmmm’ing just as you would with your own bestie. Some of our favorite podcasts to catch this wonder woman on are Another Round, Strong Black Lead, and Season Two of Going Through It.

4. Practice some much-needed self-care.

This is definitely not the time to skimp on mental health. Whether it be taking the time to meditate, pray, check in with your support system, or talk it out with your therapist, it is critical that you take care of you. Spaces and places like Ethel’s Club that specifically cater to the wellness needs of people of color are wonderful resources for times like these. An online oasis that celebrates people of color, Ethel’s Club offers everything from virtual meditation sessions and breathwork classes to yoga and workshops for creatives.

5. Enjoy a digital detox.

Now, we’d never tell you NOT to peruse AmPopsy, but taking a break from all the noise is more than helpful. It’s a necessary piece in finding your peace. So, turn off the tv. Back away from ALL of your devices. And tune out. Enjoy a quiet dinner with yourself or your loved ones. Take a bath. Relax and read a book. (And if you need some great fall recs for excellent reads, click this link.)

The most important thing is that you take some time for you. Because whatever happens with this election, we still need you – whole, happy, and sane.