Self-Care in Election Season
I remember the 2016 election vividly. I stayed up all night, glued to the screen, texting friends and family as we all anxiously waited for the results. I was filled with hope, believing I might witness history as the first woman was elected president of the United States. By 1 a.m., the results were still unclear, and I was exhausted and on edge. Reluctantly, I decided to go to bed, thinking I’d wake up to the news in the morning.
The next day, I reached for my phone first thing, barely awake, but eager to see the headline I had been hoping for. Instead, every notification announced that Trump had won. A wave of emotions hit me—disappointment, shock, disbelief, and fear. What had happened? I felt disoriented and unsettled, but I still went to work, trying to process it all.
When I arrived, I quickly realized many of my colleagues felt the exact opposite of what I was feeling. They were thrilled, chatting excitedly and celebrating. I felt out of place, isolated in my own swirl of emotions. My anxiety was overwhelming. I was physically nauseous, and by midday, I knew I couldn’t stay any longer. I needed to go home to regroup, to feel what I was feeling, and to give myself the space to process such an intense moment.
Here's what I know for sure: Election Day can be hard. As we approach the election results, many of us may feel the weight of this time. Whether it’s the uncertainty, the anticipation, or the emotions tied to what this means for our communities and our futures, these moments bring out some very real, very big feelings. You might feel excited, anxious, hopeful, or deeply unsettled. Whatever emotions come up for you, I want you to know—it’s okay to feel them. It’s okay to need space, support, or simply time to process.
For many, the day of and the day after elections can be incredibly hard. We may find it challenging to focus at work, connect with others, or even make sense of how we’re feeling. In times like this, it’s so important to listen to our inner needs and to give ourselves permission to respond in ways that best support our well-being.
You may feel the urge to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, to gather in solidarity, to process things together. There is power and comfort in being around those who "get it." They can help remind us that we’re not alone and that whatever comes next, we’ll face it with community beside us. Or, you may find that this season calls for something different—moments of solitude where you can simply be with yourself, reflect, and breathe.
Sometimes, amid so much external noise, silence can bring the grounding we need. It’s okay to retreat, to limit your exposure to social media, or to spend a little extra time in the places and activities that bring you peace.
I encourage you to approach the next couple of days with self-compassion. A few things to keep in mind:
b.self-aware
Emotions might come in waves. Take moments to pause, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and simply ask yourself, “How am I doing?” Recognize whatever comes up—without judgment. Let yourself feel without any pressure to “move on” or “stay positive.” Sometimes, just noticing our feelings can help release some of the tension.
b.boundaried
It’s okay to say no to conversations that don’t feel supportive. If someone wants to talk about the election and you’re not up for it, give yourself permission to step away. Similarly, consider taking breaks from social media, especially if you notice it adds to your stress.
b.grounded
Whether it’s taking a walk, practicing a few minutes of mindfulness, or just wrapping yourself in a warm blanket with a book, simple, grounding actions can offer comfort. These small practices can be powerful tools to steady ourselves in moments of overwhelm.
Remember that we’re all walking through this together, each carrying our unique experiences and hopes. Take things one moment at a time, honoring what you need to feel and do to take care of yourself. You have permission to feel deeply, to reach out or retreat, and to move at a pace that feels good to you. This season is intense, but so are you—and you have the strength to navigate it.
In Civic Duty,
Adrianne Pinkney
