Golf, friends and ‘a little THC’: How Yahoo readers plan to manage their Election Day anxiety

Jamila Bell is a 28-year-old voter from Atlanta. He feels “angry and anxious” about tomorrow’s election – more so than in previous years.

“I’m not optimistic about the results, and I’m not sure which way it’s going to go,” Bell tells Yahoo Life. Although there are many things he can control, he is making plans to make Nov. 5 go well.

“For Election Day, I’m planning on making a slow-cooked roast and relaxing in my house,” Bell shares. “I have already cast my vote because I’m impatient, and I didn’t want to stand in long queues. Also, there is concern surrounding my safety as a single woman for such a polarizing day. I would rather avoid crowds altogether.”

What he cannot avoid, however, is the issue of elections. “I’m a news junkie when it comes to politics, so I’ll always be on TV watching the results.”

Bell isn’t the only one feeling anxious ahead of the election. Last month, a Yahoo News/YouGov poll of 1,755 American adults on both sides of the political aisle found that 67% reported being very worried (31%) or somewhat worried (36% ) about the feud between former President Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris. A majority said the election’s impact on the economy (64%) was their biggest concern, while 60% expressed concern about political unrest. Almost half (48%) felt worried that the election results would not be accepted, and 39% worried that the vote could be stolen. “Honestly, I think we’re in trouble no matter what,” one undecided candidate told the Wall Street Journal.

What does everyone do to stay calm? Last month we invited Yahoo readers to submit a Google form sharing their thoughts during a hot election. A common theme: People are, yes, stressed — and they’re trying to find a way to reduce those feelings of anxiety on Election Day.

This is what they were saying.

• Toni (who asked to be known only by her first name) is in her 60s and described feeling “very anxious” before Nov. 5. But he will not completely withdraw from political affairs that day. “[I plan to] keep updating what’s happening until all the results are in,” he wrote.

• Some turn to hobbies to keep them calm on Election Day. “I’m going to play golf that day,” said one voter in his 80s who asked not to be identified.

• Then there’s Diane, in her early 70s, who thinks of something to distract her from the big day: “Talking to supportive friends and a little THC will do!”

• Sherry, 61, of Arizona, said: “I’m more anxious and nervous than I’ve ever been about an election. He agreed to change his plans to volunteer as a poll worker due to concerns about potential violence and will vote by mail instead of by mail. in person. Even if he chooses “the security of my home,” he won’t opt ​​out on Election Day entirely. “This election is too important to miss, so I’ll be doing what everyone else will be doing: watching the news.”

• “I can’t sleep at night about this election and I can’t talk to some of my friends about it,” said Joyce, 79. She’s not alone; 28% of US adults surveyed for our Yahoo News/YouGov survey report that they find it difficult to spend time with friends or family members who do not share their political views. Like Sherry, Joyce will also vote by post and watch the news – to some extent. “[I] you will probably watch TV channels that do not show [campaign] advertisements.”

• Meanwhile, Sue plans to finish Nov. 5. “and family and friends who share my political views.”

• “I went through a lot of emotions in this election,” said one female candidate who asked not to be named. He, too, limits how much news he consumes about the polls. “I will be watching [TV] a little bit,” he told Yahoo Life. I will also need to stop reading so many articles.”

Still mapping out your Election Day plans? Here are tips for getting through the day (or, ahem, days) that mental health experts recently shared with Yahoo Life.

• Seek support. Share your thoughts with a like-minded friend.

• Take action. Doing something constructive can help you feel more in control. Check out volunteer opportunities with local campaign offices or voter outreach groups – or just vote!

• Have a “news feed.” Clinical psychologist Kirk Schneider, author of Life-Enhancing Concerns: The Key to a Clean World, recommends withdrawing from social media and news if it becomes overwhelming. Resist the urge to seek destruction, or set limits on how often you enter into election matters.

• Do something fun. What’s your golfing or roasting personality? Using this time to engage in a hobby or fulfilling activity that you know will calm your nerves (massage, sleep, reading a good book) can distract you from the day’s stress.

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