Managing Election Stress: How to Stay Calm and Grounded
Did the recent election leave you feeling anxious or distressed?
If so, you’re not alone. The nonstop news, heated debates, and constant reminders of what’s at stake can make even the calmest person feel on edge. If you’re finding it hard to manage anxiety or stress during this time, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to stay grounded when emotions are high, and the future feels uncertain.
In this blog, I'm discussing how external stressors like the recent US election can impact mental health and reviewing some practical tips to help you stay calm, centered, and focused on what matters most.
Hi, I’m Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC
I am a counselor in Carolina Beach, NC, and I specialize in PTSD, anxiety, low self-esteem and insomnia. I provide EMDR, CBT-I, and other evidence-based approaches to help you tackle your past & gain control over your anxiety.
Ready to start counseling? Click the button below to get started in therapy with me:
Why Does Election Season Feel So Stressful?
There’s a reason election-related anxiety is so common. For many, it stems from a combination of:
Uncertainty about the future: Not knowing what’s next can be unsettling. Combined with fears about important personal rights & hot topic issues, uncertainty can trigger significant anxiety for anyone.
Conflicts with loved ones: Disagreements over politics can strain relationships. This can be especially stressful as we enter into the holiday season.
Information overload: Endless headlines, news alerts, and social media updates can leave your mind spinning.
It’s important to recognize these triggers so you can address them head-on.
5 Tips to Manage Election Stress and Anxiety
Take a Break from the News:
You don’t have to stay plugged into the news 24/7. In fact, constant updates can make anxiety worse.
Set limits: Check the news only once or twice a day.
Unfollow triggers: Mute or unfollow social media accounts that stress you out.
Schedule digital detoxes: Give yourself permission to step away from your phone or TV for a few hours—or even a whole day.
Remember, it’s okay to stay informed without sacrificing your peace of mind.
Focus on What You Can Control:
Feeling powerless is a huge driver of anxiety. Instead of fixating on what’s out of your hands, channel your energy into things you can control:
Get involved locally—volunteer, donate, or join an advocacy group that aligns with your values.
Take small steps toward meaningful change in your community.
These actions not only empower you but also give you a sense of purpose.
Lean on Stress-Relief Tools:
When anxiety starts to creep in, grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present:
Deep breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat until you feel calmer.
Mindfulness exercises: Focus on your senses. What do you see, hear, and feel right now?
Physical movement: Go for a walk, stretch, or do yoga to release tension from your body.
These simple techniques can make a big difference when things feel overwhelming
Don’t Forget Self-Care:
Election season or not, taking care of yourself should always be a priority.
Get enough sleep—it’s hard to think clearly when you’re exhausted.
Eat foods that fuel your body, and drink plenty of water.
Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether that’s reading, gardening, or spending time with friends.
These small acts of self-care can help you feel grounded, no matter what’s going on around you.
Make Time to Feel Your Emotions:
Elections can bring up intense emotions—fear, grief, anger, or even hopelessness. Instead of pushing these feelings aside, take time to sit with them:
Acknowledge what you’re feeling without judgment. It’s okay to grieve over decisions or outcomes that deeply affect you.
Write down your thoughts in a journal to gain clarity and release bottled-up emotions.
Allow yourself to process these feelings, whether that’s through a good cry, a conversation with a trusted friend, or a quiet moment of reflection.
Emotions, even difficult ones, are part of healing. Giving yourself space to feel them can be incredibly important.
Reaching Out for Support:
Lean on Your Support Network:
Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.
Consider scheduling a therapy session before or after the holidays to process emotions.
If loneliness is an issue, connect with others through local holiday events or virtual communities.
Interested in learning more about counseling with Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC or have specific questions?
Check out my FAQ’s page.
How to Start Therapy with Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC:
1. Click the button below to request a free 15-minute consultation.
2. Take the phone call from Amanda Parmley at the prearranged & agreed-upon time.
3. Start your journey
to feeling better.
Services Offered by Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC:
I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, past trauma and low self-esteem, specifically through the use of EMDR. Experiencing chronic insomnia? I also provide CBT-I.
Interested in counseling and want to use your insurance? I accept many insurance plans. For a list of insurance plans I currently take, please visit my FAQ’s page.
Interested in attending counseling in the office? I'm located at 1328 N Lake Park Blvd, STE 109, Carolina Beach, NC 28428. Once you cross over Snow's Cut Bridge, take the first left at the light & I am located in Carolina Beach Pavilion.
Online Counseling
Are you interested in counseling but live too far to commute to the session? If you are located within the state of North Carolina & are interested in online counseling, reach out today to discuss whether this is the right option for you.