Your Vote Matters And So Does Your Mental Health
On this election day you may be experiencing anxiety, which is completely valid and normal as our basic human rights are on the line, including the right to clean air, water, and the hopes of policies that protect our environment and its people. It has been hard and nearly impossible to tune out the constant news, press, and texts. That is not to say turn away from voting and stop being educated on current events and the status of the election. It is to say that at this time you may have to go the extra mile to alleviate your anxiety through creating a voting plan, boundary setting, meditation, movement, and other methods you have found that help with your stress/anxiety.
In terms of climate, our future is on the ballot. Under Trump’s leadership, climate will take more than a backseat; progress will be back tracked and Big Oil will be supported and funded. Progress on climate action has taken strides under the Biden-Harris administration, especially seen through the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, which presented $370 billion in funding for a sustainable, and just, transition which would create 700,000+ jobs.
Trump has consistently denied the existence of a climate crisis and has villainized clean energy stating it takes away from the economy. Under his leadership, climate action will take a hit as federal funding for clean energy programs will be stopped, participation in global climate treaties will cease, and people more prone to be affected by climate disasters will have less to no assistance as government agencies will be private instead of public, making this an issue of environmental justice.
This all to say, we need everyone to cast their vote, not only is it your human right fought for by our ancestors, but it is a civic duty to yourself and to each other to ensure our future and generations to come have access to clean air, water, and energy. As a Black,
LGBTQ+ woman, I do not take my duty to use my voice for granted, especially due to everything this election means.
There is a lot at stake on the ballot, so if you are experiencing election anxiety here are a few tips to help alleviate the stress and pressure.
Make a plan to vote: get out and use your voice! Today is election day and your last chance to have a say in our future. Be sure to look up your voting location, times the ballots are open, and make a plan that works best for you!
Set boundaries: It can be hard to escape the news cycle, so set boundaries for how much media you intake to prioritize your own well-being. Stay up to date on what is happening, but to the point where it is a detriment to your own health.
Meditation: meditation can seem daunting, but there are many methods to meditate such as deep breathing, full body scans, and even guided meditation. Pick which works best for you!
Movement: exercise is proven to uplift mood and release endorphins. It can help distract you, while benefiting your physical and mental health. Bonus points if you take a walk on a trail, or do your movement in nature.
Community: lean in to your support system and people with similar experiences to build a sense of unity and give you a safe space to process these emotions.
Use today to ensure your voice is heard, but also to ensure you are protecting yourself from media overload and coping with valid feelings of anxiety.
