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: