2 Your Health: Dealing with stress from the election

With political ads ramping up and non-stop news coverage of the presidential race, some people may feel stressed or overwhelmed.

So, what can you do to help cope?

As humans, we naturally want to feel in control, and the elections can undermine that feeling, said Susan Albers, a psychologist with a Ph.D.

As a result, we need to focus on what we can control versus what we can’t, whether that is your daily routine, exercise, or self-care.

Dr. Albers said one of the number one ways people tend to stress themselves out during an election is by catastrophizing, which is where you imagine the worst-case scenario.

She said it’s important to stop those kinds of thoughts in their tracks and bring yourself back to the present moment.

If you have family, friends, or coworkers who regularly discuss politics, it’s okay if you choose not to participate in the conversation, especially if it makes you feel upset or isolated.

The same goes for social media.

Social media ads and blogs are often designed to trigger strong emotions and controversy. The more you scroll and comment, the more likely it is that this is going to trigger high levels of anxiety and stress, said Dr. Albers.

It’s important to stay informed, but we also have to set reasonable limits on how much media we consume daily.

She said that if stress starts to interfere with daily life, you should consider speaking with a mental health professional.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.