As the presidential election approaches, tensions are rising, and differences in political opinions are increasingly erupting at family gatherings. What should be a joyful reunion can quickly turn into a heated debate, leaving many feeling anxious about the upcoming vote. Experts recommend various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to help individuals manage their emotions during this intense political season.
According to a recent Associated Press report, polls indicate that about three-quarters of American adults believe this year’s presidential election is crucial for the future of democracy in the country. The tightening race has left many feeling like they are in a pressure cooker.
Rosie Acosta, a meditation expert from Southern California, suggests that focusing on our breath can help regain emotional control. She encourages practicing breathing techniques to alleviate stress: “By controlling your breath and staying present, you can stop worrying about the election outcomes,” she states.
The divisiveness seen during the 2016 election has spilled over into family gatherings once again, turning celebratory occasions into battlegrounds of opinions. Acosta advises that when friends and family come together, they should concentrate on common ground rather than divisions. She suggests an approach of saying, “Let’s not discuss this now; let’s talk about something else.”
Cynthia O’Brien, a pastor at a Presbyterian church in Oregon, specializes in communicating differing viewpoints. She advises against political discussions at the dinner table, recommending instead one-on-one conversations: “We’re not trying to resolve our differences; we’re teaching skills to express them responsibly, with love and care.”
Petros Levounis, the chair of psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, acknowledges that many experience anxiety as the election nears. He recommends maintaining good sleep habits, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, while warning against using alcohol as a means of coping. “In the long run, drinking can actually increase anxiety, and it doesn’t take months or years—anxiety can spike just a few hours after heavy drinking,” he explains.
Shauna Olson Hong, the counseling services director at California State University, East Bay, shares that many students are feeling the emotional impact of the current election cycle: “It’s a terrible feeling to sense a lack of control over what’s about to happen, which can definitely heighten anxiety.”
To support those in need, the mental health organization Headspace has partnered with former First Lady Michelle Obama to launch a nonpartisan initiative called “When We All Vote,” providing free assistance to alleviate anxiety. Christine Evans, the president of Headspace, emphasizes the importance of mental health support: “No matter your political stance or viewpoint, everyone deserves access to mental health assistance.”
