If you're struggling post-election, consider these well-being tips, stress reduction strategies, and opportunities for support.
Post-election strategies for care & connection
Please practice care for yourself and others as you process thoughts and emotions related to election results, remembering that resources are available to support your well-being, here on campus and throughout our community. You don't need to go it alone.
Go back to the basics
Lean into self care: make sure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious food, and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Practice self-compassion
If you're experiencing difficult emotions, don't judge yourself. Instead, acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to experience them without self-criticism. Give yourself permission to self-sooth with your favorite movie, show, snack, or other self-care activity.
Limit toxic exposure
Set boundaries on how often you check the news and social media or interact with people who drain your energy. Avoid doom-scrolling, and mute or unfollow accounts that increase anxiety and negativity. Be sure to balance your feed with cute puppies and uplifting stories/music.
Connect with others
Share a meal with a friend or reach out to a loved one – but be mindful of discussing politics too frequently. Find balance by focusing on other subjects too. Social connection provides a buffer against stress and reinforces a sense of belonging, alleviating negative emotions.
Meditate
Even 2-5 minutes of meditation can help you calm your mind, focus on your breath, and break the cycle of anxious thoughts. Try a half-hour Let's Meditate session, or visit Cornell Health’s Meditation page for guided meditation recordings and simple meditation exercises to center yourself when negative emotions feel overwhelming.
Spend time in nature
Step away from election noise by immersing yourself in nature. Even a brief walk outside can significantly reduce stress and bring a sense of calm. Visit Cornell’s Nature Rx website to learn about opportunities to engage with nature, both on and off campus.
Exercise
Moving your body is one of the best ways to relieve stress and boost feel-good endorphins. Take a brisk walk, stretch, or do something active to counter the tension that often builds during election season. Give your jaw and shoulders some TLC as well with some self-massage.
Need support?
If election-related stress and distress are affecting your daily life, please seek support.
- Drop into a "Let's Talk" session to speak informally with a Cornell Health counselor, including one of our CAPS Community Liaisons. Let's Talk is offered every day, Monday-Friday, both in person and via Zoom.
- Consider attending a CAPS Workshop on managing stress and anxiety, or practicing self-compassion. Workshops are free and available online.
- If the above strategies aren’t helping and stress is interfering with your ability to cope, schedule a CAPS access appointment to discuss clinical support.
- For additional support and referrals, contact Student Support and Advocacy Services in the Dean of Students Office.
- 24/7 support is available through local and hotlines and text lines, with special options for students of Color and LGBTQ+ students.
For more options for emotional and social support, visit Mental Health at Cornell.