Ongoing Blues After the Inauguration : Overcoming the Slump
This week is not easy for everyone and anxiety can run high as new and uncertain changes are on the way. We didn’t exactly kick off 2025 with much peace in our country. So I don’t find it unusual that many of us feel a sense of unease after the frenzy of political campaigns, the terrorist attack in New Orleans, and the recent wildfires in California. It’s a lot to take in friends!
Regardless of whether your candidates came out on top, it’s normal to feel exhausted and deflated right now. Acknowledging these emotions is an essential step in addressing them so you can move forward.
The impact of elections on mental well-being can be significant, as the widespread uncertainties can contribute to emotional turmoil. This prolonged exposure to political stress and division can leave you feeling overwhelmed or dispirited. When these emotions hit, it’s crucial to recognize their source and not feel alone in experiencing them.
While these emotional responses are common, they can be managed with intentional and practical strategies. Let’s navigate these feelings together here as I offer ways to cultivate a sense of calm and refocus your energy. Afterall, we are in this together.
What Are the “Election Blues”?
Election blues refer to feelings of low energy, anxiety, disappointment, or being overwhelmed following an election. You might find yourself feeling drained or stressed, especially if the results didn’t align with your hopes.
Causes of Election Blues
Emotional Investment:
When you invest emotionally in politics, you can experience emotional highs during campaigns. Yet, once the election concludes, feelings may shift to disappointment or exhaustion.
Prolonged Stress and Uncertainty:
The election cycle is a long, stressful journey, leaving a lingering sense of tension. Our country has just stepped off the wildest ride of an election cycle! Your mind may be caught up in the highs and lows of the campaign trail, making you feel drained.
Media Saturation:
With constant news updates and social media discussions, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. This unending information stream can heighten feelings of anxiety and stress, affecting your mood and perspective.
Recognizing these factors might help you understand why you’re feeling down right now.
The Significance of Inauguration Day
Traditionally, Inauguration Day marks a new beginning, bringing the promise of change and leadership. It’s a day filled with tradition and ceremony as the newly elected leader takes the oath of office.
You witness the peaceful transfer of power, a core element of democracy. This ceremony is a testament to the resilience and stability of the political system.
Leaders deliver inaugural addresses outlining their visions for the future. These speeches provide insight into upcoming policies and priorities, inviting you to engage in the national conversation.
With media coverage, you’re able to share these moments—even from afar.
But, all of this can be hard to manage and participate in if your beliefs and opinions aren’t aligned with the new administration.
Effective Ways to Overcome the Election and Inauguration Blues
Experiencing stress or burnout during election and inauguration periods is common. Here are some helpful ways to get through times like these.
Limit Media Exposure and Social Media Breaks
This is always my first step! Whenever I engage in the news too much I physically feel sick. That’s why it’s crucial to find the balance between awareness and well-being.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with constant news updates and debates. Limiting media exposure helps you regain focus and peace.
Set specific times during the day to check the news. This helps prevent doom-scrolling, where you get stuck consuming negative content. Try to follow news sources that provide balanced reporting. Or, turn it all off for awhile! It’s not a requirment to participate in it at all!
Also, consider taking breaks from social media. Use apps or phone settings to limit screen time, or temporarily delete social media apps. This can significantly reduce stress and mental fatigue, helping you to maintain a more balanced outlook.
Engage in Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices
Mindfulness and self-care can be powerful tools in reducing stress. Start by turning simple routines into mindful activities, like deep breathing or meditation.
Deep breathing exercises improve mental clarity and calmness in just a few minutes. Meditation apps like Headspace, Calm, or my favorite – Tapping Solutions can guide you.
Try using mantras to help find your balance and ease anxiety.
Pamper yourself with activities you love — read a book, take a warm bath, or go for a walk in nature. Lately, I am loving cold plunging to keep my brain feeling balanced too!
Maintain a sleep routine and ensure you’re eating nourishing foods. Prioritizing self-care can recharge your energy and boost your mood.
Reconnect with Supportive People and Avoid Political Discussions
Spending time with trusted friends can provide emotional balance. Reach out to those who lift your spirits and avoid politically charged conversations when it feels overwhelming.
Remember, you are allowed to takes breaks from people in your life who don’t respect your boundaries with policital conversations too!
Consider organizing a casual gathering or virtual hangout to watch a movie or play games. These interactions help shift your focus from stress to joy.
If conversations turn political, gently steer them towards more neutral topics. A supportive circle acts as a buffer against anxiety, providing comfort and perspective.
Get Physically Active
Exercise is a proven way to alleviate stress and improve mood. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout; even a short walk can be beneficial.
Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, cycling, or yoga. Regularly engaging in physical exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, and helps you manage stress more effectively.
Keeping active is crucial for mental and physical health.
Focus on Hobbies and Personal Projects
Dedicating time to hobbies can help distract from political stressors. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or writing, engaging in what you love can provide a sense of achievement and joy.
Set small, achievable goals for your projects, and enjoy the process of creating. Consider joining online communities that share your interest for motivation and new ideas.
This creative outlet not only enriches your life but also helps taper off election-related worries, enhancing your well-being.
Take Constructive Civic Action
Channeling your feelings into positive actions can be empowering. Getting involved in local initiatives or volunteering can transform feelings of helplessness into constructive impact.
Research organizations aligned with your values and look for volunteer opportunities, whether in person or remote.
Write letters to elected officials to express your views or participate in community forums. By actively contributing to positive change, you turn your energy into constructive outcomes.
Practicing Resilience for Future Election Seasons
Building Long-Term Coping Skills
When future elections roll around, developing coping mechanisms are vital. These habits can help you maintain emotional balance during politically intense times.
Learning to Accept Uncertainty
Embracing uncertainty means recognizing that elections don’t solely define your life. Today, you woke up and got through it one step at a time and God willing, tomorrow you will too. By focusing on elements you can control in your life, you help reduce the strain of unpredictability. Encourage yourself to adapt by seeing each political cycle as a learning opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Elections are important and the leadership and direction our country is taking is crucial but I don’t believe it’s worth sacrificing your peace and well-being. Now is the time we need our greatest minds to come together – and that includes you friend. I know that you can control your reactions and choose healthier ways to engage with the world around you.
Embrace each day with patience. Practicing self-compassion allows room for growth and understanding and connecting with supportive friends and family can make a difference.
Your feelings are valid, and I know you are capable of handling them. Give yourself grace and seek joy in everyday moments.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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