The 2020 US election is making worldwide news as we embark on choosing our elected leaders nationally and locally. We’ve seen record numbers year in early voting turnout. It’s an unfortunate time of polarizing and divisiveness in our country. My hope is that we can be united and work together no matter what.
My intention with this article is:
#1 – Motivate you to get out and vote - if you haven't done so. If so - thank you.
#2 - Provide tips for resilience during election season.
Voting has always been important to me. Mom & Dad always voted but would never discuss who they voted for. Even with my goading I never knew. It was a personal private matter for them. They stated they often voted differently but respected that choice and no arguments ever happened over politics. Fantastic discussion and debates occurred over dinner.
They raised me to vote and do my civic duty. Mom always took me with her to the voting places. I remember the large stuffy voting cubicles with the red heavy drapes and pulling the levers with her as a small child, fascinated by the sounds and process. I remember sitting in the chairs in some large cafeteria for hours in tedium waiting in the Regan presidency annoyed I was forced to attend, since I wasn’t old enough to vote. I wonder what she’d think of the election process now. No matter what, I’m sure she’d figure out how to cast her vote.
On to today’s topic - Tips for Election Resilience
This year, the election feels very different and polarizing. It feels so emotionally charged. My clients are talking to me about this. I hear and feel their anxiety, stress and distractions. I wish it wasn’t so and we could all discuss our differences in a civil respectful manner without the threat of violence or anger. But that’s not true for many people. There is real stress and anxiety over the voting, the process and what the outcome may be. People are distracted and finding it a challenge to concentrate. There’s a fear of the unknown or what if.
No matter what the outcome, we can work to be resilient during this election season and the days afterwards.
Tips for Election Resilience
1. Pre-Election & Election Day Resilience
2. Post-Election Resilience
I have written other articles that may be helpful: Resilience for uncertain times, 15 tips for coping with stress when the world’s out of control, and how to have resilient communication
My intent is that no matter what the outcome of this election that you are resilient and bounce back. I have hope and pray for a brighter future and a country that’s united and working together for good.
If you or someone you know is looking for deeper and more in-depth support, I offer 30-minute laser coaching at a Pay what’s right for you pricing through this election season and pandemic. Click here to learn more & schedule a session.
I’ve noted additional resilient resources below, please see my resources page for more.
Peace, blessings and may you be well,
Teresa – Praying for hope and peace.
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, ACC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down and want to build resiliency and move forward to live a bold life.
Resources
Fact Checking
Resiliency Resources
Uncertain Times- 10 Tips for Resilience
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/uncertain-times-10-tips-for-resiliency-amid-massive-change-resources
15 Tips for Coping with Stress When the World’s Out of Control
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/15-tips-for-coping-with-stress-when-the-worlds-out-of-control-resources
Resilient Communication
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/resilient-communication-avoiding-communication-collisions
Resilient Boundaries
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/resiliency-and-healthy-boundaries-checklist-resources
Weight of the World Grief & Loss - https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/are-you-feeling-the-weight-of-the-worlds-covid-grief-and-loss
[Video] 5 Tips for Surviving Change and Building Resiliency
Resiliency is a Trait you can Develop
My intention with this article is:
#1 – Motivate you to get out and vote - if you haven't done so. If so - thank you.
#2 - Provide tips for resilience during election season.
Voting has always been important to me. Mom & Dad always voted but would never discuss who they voted for. Even with my goading I never knew. It was a personal private matter for them. They stated they often voted differently but respected that choice and no arguments ever happened over politics. Fantastic discussion and debates occurred over dinner.
They raised me to vote and do my civic duty. Mom always took me with her to the voting places. I remember the large stuffy voting cubicles with the red heavy drapes and pulling the levers with her as a small child, fascinated by the sounds and process. I remember sitting in the chairs in some large cafeteria for hours in tedium waiting in the Regan presidency annoyed I was forced to attend, since I wasn’t old enough to vote. I wonder what she’d think of the election process now. No matter what, I’m sure she’d figure out how to cast her vote.
On to today’s topic - Tips for Election Resilience
This year, the election feels very different and polarizing. It feels so emotionally charged. My clients are talking to me about this. I hear and feel their anxiety, stress and distractions. I wish it wasn’t so and we could all discuss our differences in a civil respectful manner without the threat of violence or anger. But that’s not true for many people. There is real stress and anxiety over the voting, the process and what the outcome may be. People are distracted and finding it a challenge to concentrate. There’s a fear of the unknown or what if.
No matter what the outcome, we can work to be resilient during this election season and the days afterwards.
Tips for Election Resilience
1. Pre-Election & Election Day Resilience
- Prepare yourself to vote – learn what’s on your ballot https://www.vote411.org/
- Volunteer at polling places or other volunteer organizations
- Vote safely – plan for a wait, masks, social distancing, disinfecting, etc.
- Celebrate the fact you’ve voted!
- Make a plan for how you’ll deal with the outcome of the election
- Limit and/or moderate your social media & news intake
- THINK before and you post or share information
- Is it True
- Is it Helpful?
- Is it Inspiring?
- Is it Necessary?
- It is Kind?
- Post only the facts & fact check your information - see fact checking resources below
2. Post-Election Resilience
- Practice patience as the results come in, they may take longer
- Be mindful of strong emotions, stress, anxiety, anger, fears, elation, etc.
- Practice self-care & take good care of you
- Plan something to reduce stress or anxiety
- Take a walk
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member
- Get outside with nature
- Maybe take some time off
- Express gratitude
- I’m grateful we live in a country where we can vote.
- Share only credible sources of information see fact checking below in my resources below
- Take some time to acknowledge the facts
- Take stock of your values
- Remember what you have control over
- What you think, say and do.
- Journal your thoughts and feelings
- It can be a simple brain dump – just write it all out
- If you become overwhelmed – step back, breathe, pray, meditate and/or seek help from a professional.
I have written other articles that may be helpful: Resilience for uncertain times, 15 tips for coping with stress when the world’s out of control, and how to have resilient communication
My intent is that no matter what the outcome of this election that you are resilient and bounce back. I have hope and pray for a brighter future and a country that’s united and working together for good.
If you or someone you know is looking for deeper and more in-depth support, I offer 30-minute laser coaching at a Pay what’s right for you pricing through this election season and pandemic. Click here to learn more & schedule a session.
I’ve noted additional resilient resources below, please see my resources page for more.
Peace, blessings and may you be well,
Teresa – Praying for hope and peace.
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, ACC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down and want to build resiliency and move forward to live a bold life.
Resources
Fact Checking
- https://www.politifact.com/
- https://www.factcheck.org/
- https://www.snopes.com/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/
- https://www.opensecrets.org/
- International fact checking: https://www.ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/
Resiliency Resources
Uncertain Times- 10 Tips for Resilience
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/uncertain-times-10-tips-for-resiliency-amid-massive-change-resources
15 Tips for Coping with Stress When the World’s Out of Control
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/15-tips-for-coping-with-stress-when-the-worlds-out-of-control-resources
Resilient Communication
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/resilient-communication-avoiding-communication-collisions
Resilient Boundaries
https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/resiliency-and-healthy-boundaries-checklist-resources
Weight of the World Grief & Loss - https://www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com/blog/are-you-feeling-the-weight-of-the-worlds-covid-grief-and-loss
[Video] 5 Tips for Surviving Change and Building Resiliency
Resiliency is a Trait you can Develop
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