As the presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump approaches, many people are experiencing heightened anxiety. This anxiety often stems from concerns about future events, which may or may not be rational. Both sides of the political aisle are grappling with real concerns, contributing to the relentless unease surrounding this year's election.
The Role of Uncertainty in Anxiety
Uncertainty is a significant trigger for anxiety, particularly in the context of elections. As a specialist in chronic anxiety, I emphasize increasing tolerance for uncertainty as a vital method for managing anxious triggers. The unpredictability of election outcomes can be overwhelming, yet it's important to remember that uncertainty has been a part of American elections since the country's founding. Our mental health is greatly influenced by how we manage these uncertain thoughts and feelings.
Building Flexibility to Uncertainty
To cope with election anxiety, it's crucial to build flexibility toward the uncertainty and potential outcomes. Voting to create meaningful change is a crucial step in making our lives better. However, it is also important that we develop the ability to entertain the possibility of undesirable outcomes without viewing them catastrophically. By doing so, individuals can focus on what they have control over in their personal lives, families, communities, work, local government, and state. Accepting that unfavorable forces may be at play allows for a stronger focus on actionable solutions within one's immediate environment.
Focusing on Control
In a world where most things are beyond our control, it's essential to shift perspective. Believing that we can control everything or that everything should align with our desires can lead to increased anxiety. Instead, we should concentrate on areas where we have influence and make a difference.
Actionable Steps:
1. Practice Mindful Acceptance: Regularly engage in mindfulness acceptance exercises to become more comfortable with the uncertainty of this year's presidential election.
This can be done by visualizing catastrophic election outcomes. Allow yourself to consider scenarios where the country is headed in a direction you believe is detrimental. Practice coming to terms with this direction and redirecting your focus to areas of control.
2. Identify Control Areas: List areas in your life where you have control despite who may hold the office of president. Identify where you can still effect change on a family, neighborhood, township, city, county, and state level. Focus on how you can make positive changes in those domains.
By embracing these strategies, individuals can better navigate the anxiety surrounding this election and maintain a focus on what truly matters in their lives.
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