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Weekly Doses of Pop-up Psych

We all make cringey mistakes and deserve to move on, rather than feel confused or regretful after an icky social situation. Each week, I will dissect a murky social, life cycle, or pop culture topic to help you understand, learn, and move on. As a former academic, I am a super-picky consumer of research (and you should be too) as well as the content I create and share, so those new solutions, data and/or additional resources have certainly met my approval.

How to Avoid Election Saturation As Much as Possible

The election is stressing us out. The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America study revealed that 69% feel stressed about the presidential election and 62% about the subject of politics. Our country is more divided than ever and the media doesn’t help with constant coverage. We are getting inundated with texts, calls, emails, ads, billboards, lawn signs, bumper stickers, t-shirts, hats, pins, and commercials. We can’t go anywhere or engage in our regular digital activities without campaigns.

 

My inner introvert kicks into high gear because election coverage gets overwhelming. I am an independent voter who considers policies and issues, rather than parties or people.  Politics are a very gray issue for me because I appreciate values from each side, rather than throw all my weight behind one party. 

 

The media incorrectly seems to confuse independent and undecided voters. We would rather date between the parties, rather than marry and commit to stay in one forever.

Prioritize Your Mental Wellness

  

Nobody knows you like yourself and what you really need to take care of yourself. The coverage is not going anywhere for what seems like forever, so we have to be mindful of staying balanced. 

 

Avoid election saturation by unplugging as much as possible.

  

You can’t control what other people do, but you can control your own digital consumption, so try to focus on other types of content that bring you joy. You can always mute the TV or choose not to watch and read what you want on your terms. It might also be a good time to pick up the book you put down, spend time in nature (fortunately, they are not putting up billboards in forests, on beaches, or atop of mountains), and tend to passion projects and goals.

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Avoid election saturation by embracing the season.

  

Fall is a beautiful season with bright blue skies, colorful trees, crisp air, and the gentle sound of leaves rustling that was found to be the favorite season by at least 25% of adults.  Don’t let election negativity spoil the beautiful foliage, fun festivals, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and football. It’s also a great time for people to reflect on the year and strategize for the next year.

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Avoid election saturation by staying away from people who obsess about politics.

  

People vary on how they feel about politics: some look it the election like the Super Bowl of politics and are generally excited, whereas others are trying to stir the pot. Focus on the relationships where you have other commonalities and topics to talk about.

 

When trapped in a political conversation

  

Political conversations/debates at happy events and holidays remind me of when I was jail counselor and attended a colleague’s wedding. I was seated at a table with other people who worked in the jail and all they would talk about was the inmates.  It was draining-we were at a beautiful and joyous event celebrating a lovely couple and all they would talk about were annoying inmate stories. I couldn’t take it anymore so after dinner, I took my drink and found myself a seat with the bride’s high school friends. 

 

You might not be able to just walk away like I did, but you do have the freedom to not participate. There is a time and place for everything. Usually I listen and try not to extend the conversation.  However, when someone doesn’t take the cue:

 

  • I’m not feeling this topic now at this awesome event, but lets talk another time.

  • I agree/disagree with you on that one, but would rather not get into it here.

  • This issue isn’t going anywhere, so lets be present and enjoy this setting/event/scene.

 

How can you avoid election saturation?

Hi, Beautiful Readers and thank you for reading this! I'm Dr. Joanne Broder, Media Psychologist, Author, and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Please consider me to help you write your memoir, blogs, speeches, e-books, as well as coach you on your dissertation or thesis.  Click here so we can connect!

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