Let’s talk about stress. A little stress is a good thing. It keeps our bodies working properly. The stress due to this hate-filled political climate, though. This is the bad kind of stress. The stress that gives people strokes and heart attacks. A few weeks ago news hit the airwaves about “Election Stress Disorder“. Apparently it’s a thing that has developed due to this never ending election cycle the media and social media delivers to us on a 24-hour basis.So here are a few tips on how to keep your cool as the political shit storms rage:
- Turn off the TV/Facebook/Internet News Sources – The world is going to continue spinning no matter who wins
- Hug your significant other, kids, and/or dogs – Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Get outside – Take advantage of our artificially shortened day (aka, time change) and get outside in nature. Studies show that spending time outside during the winter months has vast positive effects on mood
- Move your body – Just taking a walk and getting the blood moving can help reduce the levels of cortisol in the bloodstream helping to calm the raging beast
- Engage in flow – Flow is a state where your mind is engaged, but relaxed. It can be as simple as throwing the ball with your dog, knitting, or dancing. Anything that engages, but also relaxes.
So, get out and vote, just remember to keep your cool!
Let me know what you think if you try these and, as always, I’m available with some professional techniques to root out your stress if you need me.
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