It’s probably a misnomer to refer to it as “Election Day” seeing as how it could take a week or more to tally all the votes. Yay for historic voter turnout! If you’re anything like me though, your anxiety is through the roof. I’ve been racking my brain, trying to figure out what to do with myself tomorrow. What will feel good? What will help me feel some joy and calm, even though I’ve bitten off all of my nails out of nervousness? It all always goes back to self-care. So today, I wanted to share a bit of what I’m thinking I’ll do tomorrow to help keep my head on straight. I really hope this post helps you to know you’re not alone in worry over the election results and to hopefully inspire you to carve out a wellness plan for yourself to get you through it.
How I’m Staying Sane on Election Day
Sleeping in
Yup, you heard me right… I am going to sleep in tomorrow! Me being me, I know I will have trouble sleeping tonight. I seemingly always do when there are major world events going on. So with that in mind, I am going to skip my alarm and just let my body wake me up when it feels like it. That means I’m working a LOT today to make up for it, but that extra rest is going to be so worth it, especially if I start to get overwhelmed on Election night. Sleep has always been a big part of my self-care plan and it will be tomorrow, too.
Cooking some comfort food
Food is truly the way to my heart… especially if I’m stressed out. I’ve said it before, but I’m definitely an emotional eater. I’m not sitting here telling you that eating your feelings is a ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ thing to do, but tomorrow, I just need to get through the day tomorrow. Comfort food (here are some comfort food recipes from the blog archives) is essential, but it’s also about spending time cooking. There’s something about the act of making a meal that soothes my soul and helps me to feel grounded. Plus, it’s a wonderful distraction that dirties my hands too much to touch a phone and check in!
Check in with my closest friends
Unfortunately, most of my family doesn’t share my views, so I will not be checking in with them. It’s just too fraught and will not help me feel any sort of peace tomorrow (or in the weeks to follow). Instead, I’m going to check in and keep in touch with my closest friends. We’re all located in different places, but even a text conversation helps to feel that connection I’m craving right now.
Still watch the news
I’ve wrestled with this a LOT, but at the end of the day, I think I will feel the least stressed out if I know what’s going on than if I’m totally unplugged and wondering. But with watching the news on Election Night comes the knowledge that I have to know when to turn it off. Not saying I have an answer for when that is, but it’s like a deal that I’ve made with myself. I can’t do what I did in 2016 and stay up all night crying and watching the same news over and over. There have to be boundaries.
Stay home
In 2016, I remember running errands and I think I even had a therapy appointment that day! But this year, I will be staying safely tucked away in our cabin, away from people. Not only because we live in an incredibly dark red part of Washington state, but also because I just cannot deal with people tomorrow. I don’t want to small talk and I don’t want to pretend that it’s just another day. Because, to me, it’s not. Instead, I want to be tucked away in the comfort of our cabin, with a cozy fire and lots of dog snuggles.
Take care of my body
I also plan on treating my skin and body to some self-care tomorrow. I’m busting out the expensive sheet mask I’ve been saving. And I might go for a soak in our hot tub while massaging out the knots with my Thera Cane! I want to treat my body well and do what I can to relax. It’s going to be a challenge, but I hope that helping myself physically will also help mentally.
Probably drink wine
Let’s be real here: I am not going to get through tomorrow without booze. I have a bottle of red wine set aside specifically for the evening as I watch the news and results come through. To me, a solid self-care plan isn’t about eschewing your guilty pleasures and things that make you happy. Instead, I am going to do what feels good to me and, if that means drinking red wine, well… I will be prepared!
What is your self-care plan that you’re hoping will help with the stress of tomorrow’s Election? I’d love to know and maybe even copy your self-care plan. And, please be sure to VOTE if you haven’t already!!
