As we get closer and closer to election day, many of us feel stress, worry, anxiety, and negativity creeping into our minds and bodies more and more. When the stakes are big, it’s natural to feel this way. These emotions are normal and we know that too many negative emotions and stress can compromise our health and wellbeing.

This has got me thinking of the ways it is possible to be both a concerned and engaged citizen and to keep your mind and body healthy during this election season.

‍“Both/and” thinking and “taking in the good” are strategies that protect our health and mental wellbeing.

‍An example of this occurred yesterday when I was talking to one of my neighbors I asked her how she was doing and she told me that she was feeling extremely anxious and stressed out about the upcoming election. I listened to and empathized with her, letting her know that I also feel anxious and stressed about the election and I shared my appreciation to her for the work she has been doing to get out the vote. I then looked up at the sky and said,“isn't it a beautiful evening?” I commented that I loved the color of the maple leaves and the golden quality of light in the trees. I took a moment to notice the beauty and to take it in.

Either/Or thinking, while at times necessary, can also lead to feeling torn between emotions, people, or sides. Both/And thinking invites broad-mindedness, possibility, can promote support our wellbeing especially when things are challenging.

‍Here are some examples of Both/And thinking related to the election:

• I feel anxious about the election and I feel touched by the beauty of this autumn season. 
• I feel anger about some of the things I hear on the news and I feel enjoyment sharing dinner with my friends and family members.
• I feel concerned about political polarization in this country and I feel connected to humanity when I take the time to smile or say “hello” to a stranger.

‍Taking in the good whenever and wherever you find is a practice where we turn good facts into good experiences, by taking the time to savor them. This simple practice counteracts our human tendency to only see the negative. When we can also see the positive and savor the positive, our brains function better and we feel more positive in general.

‍Here are more ways to prioritize our health during the election season:‍

‍Take a deep breath (or two, or ten!). Deep breathing is one of the most natural, most convenient, and easiest ways to counteract stress in the moment.

‍Take a self-compassion break. Self-compassion is tuning your feelings with acceptance and nurturing, connected presence, and tuning into what you need at that moment to feel better.

‍Create a pocket of calm for yourself with a guided mindfulness or meditation practice.

‍Be mindful of media consumption. Choose your media outlets wisely. Be aware of the consequences of your relationship to your electronic devices. Avoid doom-scrolling before bed or in the middle of night!

‍Prioritize sleep. There is always more to do and a healthy body is a well-rested body. Aim for 7-8 hours sleep each night.

‍Exercise daily. Physical activity is a proven way to combat stress. Make movement a priority throughout your day.

‍Go outside. Nature is a powerful de-stressor. People who spend two hours a week in green spaces are more likely to report good health and psychological wellbeing than those who do not.

‍Nurture your positive relationships. Cultivating positive social connections and pursuing “social fitness” is arguably the most important way you can stay healthy and happy. Make the time to connect with someone you enjoy daily.

‍Practice well wishing. Well-wishing is sending a wish of wellbeing to someone else. This can be a silent wish of wellbeing or a greeting to someone you see, whether they are a stranger or someone you know. Well wishing connects us to our common humanity and reminds us that we all wish to be healthy and well.