Election week is here, which means it’s likely that feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are sky high.
Regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on, this year has been stressful and emotionally devastating (although there have been a few bright moments sprinkled within). The presidential election — which has been rife with divisiveness, and much more — undoubtedly adds to the weight of an already heavy year amid a pandemic.
Needless to say, self-care and a routine to maintain your mental and emotional health should always be a priority, and this week that’s imperative. Focusing on the fear of the unknown is not going to make it less scary or provide an answer. So if you are nonstop refreshing your browser for updates on the polls or doom scrolling Twitter (guilty), gently back away.
A winner may not be determined Tuesday night since votes still get counted through Wednesday in many states, so here is a short list of ideas to help you cope and stay sane while waiting for the results.
Have your favorite pint of ice cream nearby. My go-tos are Caramel Cone from Haagen Dazs or Half Baked from Ben & Jerry’s. Or just have your preferred comfort food.
Also have your drink of choice nearby. If the decision-making is hard, actress Jackee Harry says vodka goes with just about anything.
Be proactive and schedule your therapy appointment for later in the week. Mine is set for Friday.
Use that adult coloring book
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that you bought during quarantine and scribble in it.Buy a smash cake in case you get the urge to punch something, as one of my colleagues joked she was planning to do.
If you have kids, make the night about them. Bake cookies, play games, build a fort. Shoot, do these even if you don’t have kids.
Try a labor-intensive recipe, such as croissants, macarons, or the infamous turducken — something that could occupy your mind for several hours or days.
Get into a creative project that requires your full attention, like painting or playing an instrument.
Draw yourself a lavish bubble bath with flower petals, crystals, citrus fruit slices, great perfumes and more, like the ones on Instagram.
If you have a group chat with friends, schedule a time on Tuesday night for a dance party instead of sending sad or angry memes and tracking the results with one another.
Take a mental health day. If you’re able, take a day off from work or a few hours to treat yourself, whatever that looks like.
This list can go on, but the point is, whatever you do, make election night and the rest of this week something to look forward to. That sounds like an oxymoron, I know. But whether it’s buying your favorite takeout, planning a movie night with your roommate with wine and cheese, or meeting up for a socially distanced, masked-up walk with a friend, do what you need in order to take care of yourself and your community.
We’ll all be better for it.