9 Tips for Dealing with Election-Related Stress and Anxiety

Hi everyone. If you’re like me, you’re probably going to be anxious all day due to the Elections. I’ve cast my vote for Harris/Walz. Over the past few weeks I also sent out dozens of postcards to people in swing states. I know many of you have been on the forefront, calling people, knocking on doors, and trying to convince wayward friends and relatives. 

Still, it is stressful. We’ve been on edge for a decade now. I remember 2016 and the horrific years that followed. Most of us are more traumatized than we care to admit. So, here’s some advice I’m providing, mainly as a reminder for myself. According to my therapist, I often use humor when I’m stressed, so keep that in mind: 

Take action: You may think it’s too late to mobilize people, but that’s not true. Every action helps, even on Election Day, so if you have time today, sign up to phone bank. There are thousands of people in swing states who are casting their ballots today, and a friendly call from you—reminding them no one in their family needs to know who they voted for—may make a huge difference. 

Read the experts: Harris is predicted to win, based on the reliable predictions of brilliant minds like Allan Lichtman, who got 9 out of the past 10 presidential elections correct (wrong only on Al Gore, who really should have won), and Christopher Bouzy, who accurately predicted the midterm elections, and who is confident the first Black and Asian woman president will win by a landslide. (He also predicts Florida is going Blue, which would be amazing!)

Give yourself grace: Go easy on yourself and don’t expect much productivity today. Actually, the rest of this week, as the results may not be finalized for a while. In fact, probably January, because remember what happened last time? It’s best to probably just hibernate until the Inauguration.   

Check in with your team: Acknowledge that everyone may be experiencing stress and anxiety. Encourage your colleagues to practice self-care in whatever ways would be most helpful to them, including taking time off, buying a new outfit for their “birb,” or starting a Nonprofit Fight Club. 

Take care of your body: Stress can take a huge toll physically, so prioritize actions to counter it. Eat nutritious meals. Drink lots of water. Get plenty of sleep. Go on a walk. Become a creepy tech bro and pay young people to donate blood to you in a horrifying attempt at reversing aging. 

Reach out to your friends and family: Especially the ones you suspect don’t vote the same way as you but they won’t admit it. Tell them the latest polls show Harris surging. And not only that, Democrats are likely going to keep the Senate as well as increase several seats in the House. It’ll make you feel better. 

Watch your favorite shows: If you need recommendations, the new Matlock with Kathy Bates is excellent. 

Keep things in perspective: Remember that we and everyone we know and everything we interact with, including Kathy Bates, are likely just a computer simulation, probably one run by beings who delight in inflicting cruelty. They’ve been throwing various horrendous elements at us to test the limits of our endurance. Are we going to let them win? Hell no! 

Break the fourth wall: Stare upward defiantly, then scream “You think you can break us?! You’ve been trying to for decades now! We know we exist in a crappy simulation you assholes created! All of you are cowards, safe in your reality while we must endure this orange buffoon you programmed! Go on! Give us everything you got! Okay, just kidding! Please stop it! We would love to see what a simulation of world peace and general decency would feel like. Thank you!”

I hope that’s helpful. Even under a Harris presidency, we will still have plenty of work to do. But let’s appreciate the history being made this week. See you on the other side! (Or at Nonprofit Fight Club if you’re coming.)