Can we all just take one collective, deep exhale?
The midterm results are extraordinary and it seriously welcomes relief. For a change, the political horizon actually has light peeking through.
It feels good to see the work pay off. We showed up, we pushed through and we secured some seismic wins for the culture this interim election season.
The headlines are finally trending in our favor and the community is celebrating. But if your brain feels like mush and you feel the need to go quiet right now, you aren’t ungrateful – you’re just human.
This is the reality of carrying election fatigue. As it turns out, two years of high-stakes stress doesn’t just vanish the second a race is called. And it certainly doesn’t mean that your spirit can’t be drained and you aren’t running on fumes.
Let’s break down some of the best ways to celebrate our political progress without completely crashing into burnout, according to the experts at Active Mind – because a win doesn’t mean much if you’re too exhausted to enjoy it.
1. Call Your Therapist (No, Seriously)
Carrying the weight of the world – and our community – takes a toll. Even when the vote goes the way you wanted, the hyper-vigilance required to get across the finish line is taxing.
If you’ve already got a therapist, hit them up. If you’ve been thinking about finding one, consider this your sign to look for a culturally competent or Black therapist who gets the unique nuances of our joy and our stress.
Having a safe, non-judgmental space to just exhale and unpack everything is a game-changer.
2. Focus on What’s in Your Living Room
It’s easy to get lost in the endless news cycles, policy debates and “what’s next” speculation.
Zoom out from the macro, focus on the micro and control what you can right inside your own space. Make a list of tiny, tangible things that bring you grounding and stability, whether that’s finally making your bed, meal prepping for the week or looking into local community resources.
Cross them off one by one and celebrate those small wins. They are your armor against burnout.
3. Get Back to Your Regular Schedule
When election season takes over, our normal lives usually get put on the back burner. It’s time to reclaim your time.
Meditate, hit the gym, link up with your friends for Sunday brunch or get that morning run in. But most importantly, protect your sleep schedule and feed your body right.
Returning to your usual rhythm is a form of radical self-care. It reminds your nervous system that you are safe and in control.
4. Watch the Coping Mechanisms
While we all love a good celebratory toast or a night out to let off some steam, keep tabs on the alcohol and substance use.
Alcohol is a natural depressant. If your mind and body are already stretched thin, overloading your system will only make it harder to clear the brain fog, get out of bed and show up for the people who love you. Moderation is key to keeping your energy intact.
5. Keep Leading with Love and Community
Joy is best multiplied when it’s shared. Take that positive post-election energy and pour it right back into the neighborhood.
Volunteer with a local grassroots organization, check in on an elder or surprise someone with a random act of kindness.
Our community has always survived and thrived by looking out for one another.
Continue to show up in the exact way you want the world to show up for you.
Congratulations.
