Election self-care plan
The days leading up to the election can be stressful. Months of being inundated with campaign messages, news coverage, and contemplating potential election results can lead to anxiety and fear. This could be exacerbated due to COVID-19, social distancing, and a social movement. There’s a lot at stake, and for most of us, the political is personal.
One way to manage stress during this time is to create a pre- and post-election self-care plan. Your plan may focus on connecting with family, friends, or even a therapist who can serve as a source of support; indulging in activities that bring you joy; and minimizing media and social media consumption. Take into consideration we may not know election results for days or weeks. For faculty, remember your students are probably just as stressed and distracted as you. Think about how you want to approach your classes and check-in with students during election week.
Here’s a list of resources with additional ideas for preserving your mental health during election week and beyond:
- 2020 Election Sanity Guide by Ten Percent Happier: This guide includes meditations, short talks, and a podcast series to help you with navigating the election.
- Eventbrite Election Mental Health Events: This website has a list of online events taking place before and after the election.
- Election Anxiety by Head Space: Head Space is an app featuring meditations, articles, and videos. This particular page has free meditations dedicated to helping you manage stress during election season.
- National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity’s Tough Times Toolkit: This toolkit includes a series of videos focused on teaching during a pandemic, social movement, and upcoming election. UGA is an institutional member of NCFDD, and faculty can claim a free membership to the center by visiting the organization’s website. You will need to activate your membership to access the videos.
- UGA Counseling & Psychological Services Self Care Resources: CAPS created a list of online resources you can access to manage stress and anxiety. These resources are available to faculty, staff, and students.