Election season in 2024 has been a whirlwind of political ads, rallies, campaign events, and rhetoric on social media and in the news.
People on social platforms have been engaging in political posts, and lawmakers from around the nation have been doing the same while conducting media interviews to convince voters to support their candidate of choice.
Kamala Harris went from being the vice president to the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, campaigning for president for about three months after President Joe Biden decided to exit the race.
Once considered an underdog, Harris has persevered through criticism about her appeal to Black men and allegedly running a scripted-style campaign. She has established proposals for the voting bloc that could impact the elections. Plus, she’d made more impromptu appearances on nontraditional media platforms, including Black media.
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On the GOP side, Donald Trump has been nonstop on the campaign trail holding rallies and making appearances at venues around the country — even gaining support from notable Black celebrities and Black faith leaders.
Often, the 2024 GOP presidential nominee’s speeches and talking points have become viral moments. One you probably remember is when Trump spread a baseless claim of Haitian immigrants eating people’s pets, which was quickly debunked.
That said, we’re sure you are ready to finally take a mental detox from all things politics as Election Day is underway. You’re likely experiencing what all of us are feeling now that we’ve come close to the finish line: election fatigue.
The good news is we have compiled a list of five effective ways to clear your mind from politics and refresh your mental state so that it won’t negatively affect your health.
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Get moving! (outside or inside the gym)
Exercise is a great way to prevent various illnesses and combat existing health issues. It’s an effective treatment for stress and anxiety before or after you’ve cast your ballot in the 2024 elections.
You can engage in physical activity in many ways, such as brisk walking, jogging, or running on a treadmill. You can also get moving outside. Be sure to stay properly hydrated.
If you need some motivation from fitness gurus and coaches, consider hiring a trainer. If you’re struggling to find a trainer or prefer to work out in the comfort of your home, some trainers conduct sessions via video!
For instance, MMFitness offers boot camps and sessions both in person and through video, where some members have reached their fitness goals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Activities like walking, jogging, or yoga can help clear your mind and boost your physical health.
Health experts suggest consulting with a doctor before starting a workout program.
What are you thankful for?
Are you grateful for your spouse, partner, children, or friends? Maybe you’re simply thankful for having a job during what’s considered to be tough economic times.
Focusing on the positive aspects of life and practicing gratitude can shift your mindset away from the political stress of the election season. Creating a gratitude journal or reflecting on things you’re thankful for can help detox your mind.
There are many health benefits to practicing gratitude, according to UCLA Health. Research shows that 15 minutes a day of practice for at least six weeks can increase mental wellness and positively affect your physical health.
The report notes that taking time to be thankful may reduce depression, lessen anxiety, and even support heart health.
Turn off/log out of social media
Social media has been full of political ads, conversations, and news, especially about presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle.
Hot-button topics like threats to abortion rights, racism, and border security issues can trigger fear and anxiety if you consume too much of it.
Reducing the time spent on social media and news sites can help decrease exposure to political content. The American Psychological Association suggests setting specific times to check news updates and avoiding political discussions online to maintain mental peace.
Now that the election is almost over, it may be a good time to mute your social media to alleviate any stress from the outcome of the general election.
The power of mindfulness and meditation
Engaging in mindfulness and meditation can help clear mental clutter and reduce stress related to political issues.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these practices can improve emotional health and enhance overall well-being. Simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and be present can make a significant difference.
Generally, health experts say relaxation methods involve focus and awareness.
“You focus your attention on something that is calming and raise awareness of your body,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “It doesn’t matter which technique you use. What matters is that you find ways to relax to gain the benefits.”
For example, a technique called progressive muscle relaxation can help relieve tension by focusing on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group.
There are numerous relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, massage, meditation, tai chi, yoga, biofeedback, music and art therapy, and more.
Spend time in nature
Connecting with nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Research from Harvard Medical School indicates that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the woods, nature can be a great escape from all the political noise.
A good place to start is finding a suitable nature trail. Be sure to wear proper gear and bring essentials like water and bug repellant. You can also walk, jog, or bike on a nature trail. If you don’t have any nearby, try to find a lake or a public park where you feel safe.
