Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Brace yourselves! November is shaping up to be a whirlwind of stress and excitement. As if the most consequential election of our generation wasn’t enough, we’re also thrown into the whirlwind of holiday preparations. While Thanksgiving kicks off a festive season, the stress can be downright overwhelming. Election anxiety.
From navigating the political scene to the politics of family, there’s sure to be another level of stress this holiday season. Election anxiety
So how do you navigate politics at the Thanksgiving table this year? First off, don’t play the game of one-upmanship.
“One side says, we feel this about something. They don’t agree with us, we have to call them wrong. They called us wrong. We have to call them stupid. They called us stupid. We have to call them fascists. They called us fascists. We have to call them Nazis,” said M. Clark Canine, LMHC, NCC, The Counseling Group.
To lessen election anxiety, set clear expectations.
“If you’re the host, tell everybody that’s coming that the focus of the day is going to be on fun and family and lightness, not on settling topics,” explained Canine.
But if your right leaning grandpa speaks out to liberal aunt, first thing to do, redirect them, either in conversation or separate them with distance. Suggest a walk around the block. Acknowledge their feelings, try to focus on areas of agreement. Remember to not take things personally, keep a sense of humor, and limit alcohol.
“So, whether you’re on the winning side or the losing side, you absolutely have to accept that the election is over, it’s time to move on,” said Canine.
To alleviate Thanksgiving anxiety, experts recommend to focus on engaging in positive activities that bring joy and fulfillment. This could involve volunteering, spending time with loved ones, or simply practicing self-care.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Bob Walko
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