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November 5, 2024

How to Manage Election Anxiety

1. Make a safety plan.

Review the Election Safety Plan checklist created by organizers as the 2020 election approached. Use what’s helpful to you and your election climate, and check back on this in the weeks ahead if needed

2. Get perspective.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of gloom and doom without reminding ourlseves of the historical and global context. Pause and reflect:

• Consider how democracy has weathered past challenges

• Look beyond the daily headlines to see long-term trends

• Connect this election to larger global movements

• Remember that most "crisis moments" evolve with time

3. Understand your concerns.

Election anxiety often runs deeper than surface-level worry. Start by exploring what's truly causing your stress:

• Identify your top three pressing issues

• Write out your "worst case" scenarios

• Share these concerns with trusted community members

• Channel this understanding into action by making concrete plans to support your causes

4. Create a healthy information diet.

Once you understand your concerns, focus on staying informed without becoming overwhelmed:

• Choose reliable news outlets over social media

• Set specific times for news checks rather than constant refreshing

• Use curated news aggregators to filter quality information

5. Build a mindful approach.

Information gathering is just the first step—processing what you learn is equally important:

• Take time to reflect on news you consume

• Journal or discuss your thoughts with others

• Balance serious news with lighter content to maintain emotional equilibrium

6. Establish personal boundaries.

As election discussions intensify, protect your mental space by:

• Deciding in advance how you'll engage with family, colleagues, and peers

• Taking time to assess how others participate in election discussions

• Remembering that setting boundaries shows care for both yourself and others

7. Find balance through self-care.

While staying engaged is important, maintain your wellbeing by:

• Making time for joy through reading, music, or favorite activities

• Getting outside for fresh air and nature walks

• Staying grounded in the present moment

8. Manage the waiting game.

During election results and beyond:

• Give yourself permission to step away from coverage

• Focus on daily routines and activities

• Practice physical self-care through movement and outdoor time

9. Stay proactive.

Transform anxiety into action by:

• Channeling nervous energy into productive activities

• Maintaining connections with supportive people

• Focusing on what's within your control

Here are some helpful resources to help you at the ballot this week:

• Vox has a helpful breakdown of Harris’ and Trump’s policies.

• Blue Voter Guide gives you a breakdown of democratic candidates on your ballot and their stance on key issues based on your address

• The League of Conservation Voters will tell you candidates to support based on their climate agendas based on your address.

• “Hope for me is in the doing of things.” This interview between Mariame Kaba and Kelly Hayes about their book gives me solace in troubling times.

• NPR has a list of where you can find local reporting for election and voting news and updates in your state.

It’s also not too late to take action:

1. Donate all you can to swing-state organizers turning out every last vote. This is going to be a tight race, and last minute donations make a big difference.

2. Get out the vote by text, phone, or in person. You can do most of this from your couch today!

Election watch parties are a great way to spend tonight in solidarity with the communities and causes that matter most to you. Here are some virtual opportunities to gather with movement leaders in the days ahead. Find more IRL and locally-relevant ones based on your location by using this link. None of these recommendations are endorsements for organizations or affiliated candidates; just sharing what might resonate with this readership from around the web.

TODAY

All Day

Join a phone banking marathon with Voters of Tomorrow to call Gen Z voters and mobilize the youth vote. Times available all day. RSVP >

11a EST

Join Black Futures Lab as they Party at The Polls on election day. “Please come out, cast your vote and celebrate with us.” RSVP >

6:30pm EST

The Working Families Party is hosting Frontline Sanctuary, a virtual community space, is offering care, connection, and respite during this election season, guided by renowned artist and healer gina Breedlove. RSVP >

8pm EST

re:power is hosting a watch party for women of color. “WOC Election Night Watch Party is a space to come together with community and other re:power alums. This party will be full of music, games, and fun while we connect during this historic election night.” RSVP >

8:30pm EST

Democrats Abroad is holding space for Democrats watching the election from outisde the U.S. “At 8:30 PM EDT, we'll track key races, discuss outcomes, and reflect on the future of democracy.” RSVP >

TOMORROW

12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm EST

The Movement Voter PAC is hosting a post-election recap. “Jump for joy, cry bitter tears, or bite our nails awaiting delayed results in the company of like-minded Democratic and progressive donors, activists, organizers, and strategists.” RSVP >

THURSDAY

1pm EST

The Center for Reproductive Rights is hosting “Post-Election Briefing: The Path Forward for Reproductive Freedom,” with legal experts to election results and explore what these outcomes mean for reproductive freedom in the U.S. RSVP >

6pm EST

Movement 4 Black Lives is hosting a post-election recap – join to reflect on the election results, breathe, and share strategy as we enter 2025. RSVP >

8pm EST

“Make Meaning of the Moment” A coalition of progressive movement organizations are hosting a post-election briefing to “share expert analysis of Election Day and its results, and how you can take action in whatever scenario we find ourselves.” RSVP >

8pm EST

Generation Vote, the only national youth-led electoral justice organization, is hosting a welcome event for those eager to re-commit themselves to the work. RSVP >