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"Anyone who would vote for that candidate is an idiot."
Comments like this—and many others with much stronger language—are being tossed around workplaces, social media sites, and dinner tables this presidential election season. And as the divisive campaign wears on, surveys show that many Americans are becoming worn out by the strife.
The good news is that you can take steps to stay mentally strong during election season. Managing your stress and making a few environmental changes can help you survive the bitter political climate.
A new survey by the American Psychological Association found that one in four U.S. employees has felt negatively affected by political conversations in the workplace during this campaign season. Younger workers in particular report higher levels of stress—and lower levels of productivity—stemming from political discussions. The survey found that the political climate affects workers the same, regardless of their political party. In addition, 15 percent of workers said they are more cynical or negative at work as a result of the political discussions, and 10 percent say the quality of their work is suffering.
Of course, the workplace isn't the only arena where the political climate can take a mental toll. Take a quick look at any social media platform and you're likely to see insults being hurled between strangers—and friends—when the conversation turns political.
How to Stay Mentally Strong
A respectful conversation about political issues can spark new ways of looking at an issue, but many political discussions turn into heated, unproductive debates. When the environment turns hostile, you may have trouble functioning, even if you aren't directly involved in the conversation.
Whether you're tired of family members insisting the world is going to end if a certain candidate gets into office, or you're feeling ostracized at work because your own political preferences are in the minority, it's important to pay attention to how you feel.
If you're growing stressed, make a few changes to your environment, and a couple of changes within yourself, and you'll improve your ability to deal with the negativity.
Here are a five strategies that can help you stay mentally strong as the campaign concludes:
- Save your breath.
Some people fear that not speaking up means they aren't being heard. In reality, sharing information about your candidate isn't likely to change someone else's mind about who to vote for. When conversations grow contentious, ask yourself whether it's worth debating: Staying silent might preserve your relationship (and your mental health).
- Set healthy boundaries.
You don't have to listen to other people air their political opinions, especially if the climate is aggressive or hostile. If your friends push political posts on social media, hit the mute button. When someone tries to turn your conversation to politics, say, "I'm just not interested in talking about that right now." You can always excuse yourself from a conversation and walk away.
- Think realistically about the future.
It's easy to imagine doom and gloom if your candidate doesn't get elected. But catastrophic predictions aren't helpful. Remind yourself that there are many elected officials running the government, not just the president.
- Limit your media consumption.
While some people find joy in reading the latest political commentary, it can take a toll on many of us. If too much political news raises your stress level, choose to limit your consumption. You can stay involved in politics without following developments every second.
- View election season as an opportunity.
Rather than blaming the campaign for draining your mental strength, look at it as an opportunity to build mental muscle. Remind yourself that tough times can help you grow stronger, if you choose to make healthy decisions for yourself.
Take steps to build mental strength so you can stay mentally strong during the election and throughout the year. Creating healthy habits will help you build mental muscle and give up the unhealthy habits that rob you of mental strength.
Want to learn how to give up the bad habits that rob you of mental strength? Pick up a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do.
This article first appeared on Inc.
