Wellness Digest: November 6, 2024
Tending to Wellness After the 2024 Election
Voting is an essential part of social wellness 🗳✨ Take a moment to make sure your voting plan includes taking care of yourself too!
Regardless of the outcome of the 2024 National Election, the results will be historic and impactful. According to the American Psychological Association, two in three adults report anxiety about U.S. elections.
Our bodies naturally produce anxiety in response to stress, so learning wellness practices to cope with these feelings and reducing their impact can make the days following the election more manageable.
Here are 3 physical wellness tips, 2 emotional wellbeing practices, and 1 environmental encouragement to consider:
3 Physical Wellness Tips
- Take a 5 minute break to move | Taking a quick walk, bust out some jumping jacks, or practicing chair stretches are a few ideas of movements to diffuse nerves
- Practice restorative rest | Avoiding screens, drinking a warm cup of tea, listening to a guided meditation, or reading can encourage a good night’s sleep
- Reduce consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco Each of these substances are associated with negatively impacting anxiety; caffeine stimulates the central nervous system while alcohol and tobacco impacts serotonin processes in the brain
2 Emotional Practices
- Intentional breathing exercises can help regulate involuntary bodily functions and balance the nervous system
- Talk about it! Discussing our emotions with another person helps us gain perspective, reconnect with our sense of belonging, and recognize potential next steps.
1 Environmental Encouragement
Often misunderstood, environmental well-being goes beyond recycling! During this election season, practice harm reduction in your environment by mindfully getting offline. While it’s good to stay informed, refreshing can increase anxiety. Consider limiting the time you check the news, turning your phone off, and do something else