How to Avoid Letting the Vicious Nature of the Political Climate Burn You Out

After the gripping first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, everyone might feel emboldened to sustain with the political buzz, but some of us could be more burned out than we realize. In case you didn’t know, political burnout is a legitimate concern, especially in this significant election, and the race between Harris and Trump is probably going to be tight.

You are usually not alone when you feel burnt out and anxious about the upcoming presidential election. A recent poll by Pew Research found that about two-thirds of Americans feel exhausted when eager about politics. The survey also highlighted how people feel about politics in the 12 months or two leading up to a presidential election; nearly two-thirds of Americans, 65%, say they all the time or often feel exhausted when eager about politics, while 55% feel offended. Additionally, 10% say they all the time or often feel hopeful about politics, and fewer than 4% are excited.

The writing is on the wall; we’re stressed! That’s to be expected, as the last 4 years haven’t been easy on our emotional well-being and mental health. We’ve had to navigate COVID-19, pandemic-related deaths and illnesses, natural disasters, inflation, and an impending economic crisis or recession. Plus, the issues we face now as Americans seem more bleak and divisive. A Pew Research survey asked participants to sum up their feelings about politics in just a few words or phrases, and divisive and corrupt got here to mind. The previous couple of years have left many of us distrustful of our system of government (January 6, anyone?).

But now, with a brand new election approaching and glimmers of hope on the horizon, Americans are starting to get actively engaged, despite their burnout from politics. If you wish to not sleep to date on politics but want to protect your mental health, here’s how to set healthy boundaries when consuming presidential content.

Have a limit: You needs to be aware of how much political content you eat. If you watched commentary the night before the debates, then possibly you must take a break before you eat anything politically related for the next few days. Watching an excessive amount of political content might be overwhelming, stressful, and depressing.

Find out what you possibly can control and what you possibly can’t: Understand that we are usually not in the White House. While we cannot make laws, we do have the power to get out and vote and have our voices heard. Try not to feel bad about not having the ability to change certain political decisions and outcomes, and as an alternative turn that despair into motion by getting involved in the communities around you.

Be in tune along with your body: If you watch or listen to political content and feel anxious or stressed, turn off the TV immediately.

Try to have a positive attitude: Regardless of who wins this presidential election, your voice and vote matter somewhere, and we will all the time be agents of change, even at a micro level.

Take your self-care to the next level: Stressful times call for decadent remedies. Make sure you pamper yourself with something you enjoy, whether it’s a glass of wine, a day at the spa, or a get-together with friends. Taking care of your mind, body, and spirit is paramount during these unprecedented times.