Are You Suffering From Post-Election Stress?
Hillary Clinton v’s Donald Trump 2016 Election. Brexit in the United Kingdom…. I have never seen an election that has stressed so many people out. Change is happening and there is an increase of uncertainty about the future, regardless of which candidate or political party you voted for.
The people in the United Kingdom are also dealing with stress over Brexit – the vote for British withdrawal from the European Union. Change is happening and uncertainty about the future is on the rise. Which increases feelings of a lack of control, which leads to increased stress.
“What if?” thinking is normal when change is about to happen. We are worried and anxious about the possible outcomes. However, if we find ourselves catastrophizing, it is imperative that we stop and calm down.
Stop Catastrophizing: – dwelling on the worst possible thing that can happen.
This only scares you, causing an increase in cortisol levels, and an increase in blood pressure. All of which is not good for the heart. It is a well-known fact that stress can indeed cause heart attacks!
If you find yourself catastrophizing, it is a sign that your emotional self, your limbic system has taken over. Your executive functioning, your rational mind is impaired.
Please take the time to calm down and reassure yourself before you put your health in jeopardy.
- Breathe: Bring your mind back to this moment in time by paying attention to your breath. Breathe in for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 8. Continue to do this until you feel calmer. Remind yourself, that “You are Okay Right Now”. And now is all we have. This moment, this present moment. Who knows what tomorrow may bring. Is there anything you can do about your fears? Then take action. Otherwise, let the future be and focus on today.
- Give yourself permission to not worry about others right now, until you can take better care of yourself.
- Continue doing your daily routines.
- Switch off the news,
- Stop engaging on social media and with others who are also stressed out and catastrophizing.
I recommend all this in order for you to take care of your health and well-being. The only thing you can control and even that can be a struggle is your thought processes. What we think causes us to feel the way we do.
Therefore, spend your valuable time and energy reassuring yourself. Here are a few statements that may help:
“Everything is okay right now”,
“No matter what I will be okay”,
“I have people who care about me and resources available to help me”
“I am not alone”
“Let me stay focused on today, one breath at a time”
“My health is important to me, my family and friends”
“I can only focus on the things I can control right now”.
I hope you found this helpful, if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.