Fostering Hope During Political Uncertainty

Examining Self-Care and Coping Mechanisms

As a Canadian, I can feel second-hand anxiety permeating from our neighbours in the United States, especially as we inch closer and closer to the finish line.

While specific events have permanently and not-so-permanently altered our understanding of the world, it’s always good to pad ourselves with a variety of coping mechanisms to keep ourselves busy.

For example, if that means playing video games for a few hours, or focussing more on other tasks like building that cabinet or shelf, that’s perfectly okay, as everyone processes information at varying rates.

Plus, if push comes to shove, you can prioritize your time towards your most basic needs, like having some sleep, eating healthy foods, or even doing some simple exercising.

Since a lot of the coping mechanisms of yesteryear are not as readily available as they used to be, it’s understandable to be feeling overwhelmed when things are not going our way.

Recognizing that you need a break, even from news channels or from your own Twitter or Facebook feed, is more than okay, especially when tear-jerking and sensationalist claims crop into our vision and make us see red.

If you’re really fearful of missing out, then perhaps setting aside a timer might be helpful, allowing you just enough time to get the inside scoop while also balancing the need to do other important things.

It never hurts to be informed about various topics, but you also have to protect your mental health. If you find yourself really distracted, it never hurts to seek out social support, such as from a therapist, a trusted friend, or even a crisis line.

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