10/30/2024
We have one week left, friends. If you haven't voted, PLEASE make your plan!
With one week left, it’s no surprise that emotions are running high and stress levels are climbing... I'm feeling it too!
According to a recent survey, 31% of adults report that the election is messing with their sleep, while data from the American Psychological Association says 69% of Americans surveyed say the election is fueling their anxiety.
Let’s be real: election season can feel like a rollercoaster that you didn’t quite sign up for, with its ups, downs, and constant twists. And while it’s totally normal to experience some level of anxiety during a time like this, the stress doesn’t have to take over your life.
Learning to work with your body and mind is a game changer! Today I'm sharing several steps I pulled from this week's newsletter:
1. Breathwork: Practice 4-7-8 breathing by inhaling deeply for 4 counts, holding the breath for 7 counts, and exhaling slowly for 8 counts. Repeat for at least five cycles to feel more grounded whenever you notice anxiety creeping in.
2. Get outside: Aim for 20 mins/day whenever you can squeeze it in and a bonus longer hike this weekend! Nature soothes the soul.
3. Anti-Anxiety Movement: Also known as somatic movement or mindful movement. Just as your thoughts can influence your body, moving your body can influence your thoughts.
4. Sleep: An hour before bed, dim the lights, switch off devices, and do something calming like reading, stretching, or enjoying a caffeine-free herbal tea.
5. Vote, Volunteer, and then Release! While the news may be unpredictable, your well-being doesn’t have to be. Take control of what you can—your breath, your routine, and your self-care—and remember that a little bit of calm can go a long way in weathering the election storm.
