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It's election season in the United States, and not just here but around the world, many are watching to see how things unfold. Even if we usually avoid the news, it can be hard to escape the media cycle during these times. I’ll admit—I’m someone who often prefers to stay “under a rock” when it comes to day-to-day political updates. Yet, with the upcoming election on November 5th, even I find myself drawn into the chaos. For many, these times can stir up anxiety.
What is Election Stress Disorder?
The term "election stress disorder" was coined by Steven Stosny, a therapist and author of several books on improving relationships. He first used this term in 2016 to describe the intense symptoms of stress and conflict he observed in patients during that year's election cycle. According to Stosny, common traits among those experiencing this disorder include:
Resentment
Hostility
Anger
Devaluing others with different views
While "election stress disorder" isn’t an official medical diagnosis recognized by psychiatric associations, it captures a real phenomenon of heightened anxiety related to elections. A recent poll by the American Psychological Association found that 69% of Americans feel stressed by the 2024 presidential election.
What’s Causing This Anxiety?
Election anxiety often roots itself in uncertainty about the future and fear of outcomes we can't control. Our brains are wired with a negativity bias, meaning we tend to react strongly to bad news while downplaying the positive. This bias helped our ancestors survive by keeping them alert to danger, but today, it can lead us to consume more negative news—even when it makes us feel worse. We may ignore our body's reactions and focus on absorbing more negativity, which is detrimental to our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Understanding the Stress Response
The stress or “fight or flight” response is a protective mechanism designed to keep us safe. Stress itself isn’t inherently bad; it's our inability to “switch off” this response that leads to problems. Originally meant to activate briefly in response to a threat, our modern lives expose us to constant stressors that prevent us from fully relaxing. This can impact digestion, lower immunity, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of hypertension and other chronic health issues.
Transforming Stress into Energy and Vitality
The good news is that we can take steps to transform stress into energy and vitality. One of the first steps in managing stress is focusing on boosting your energy levels. When our energy is strong, we tend to feel less overwhelmed by life. Prioritizing a good night’s sleep and a balanced diet equips us better to handle stress and uncertainty. Qigong—a 5,000-year-old practice with origins in ancient China—has been utilized to enhance and circulate energy (known as "Qi") throughout the body. Through gentle breathing, energy-activating exercises, stretching, and flowing movements, Qigong can help us manage anxiety and stress. When we move mindfully, stress and anxiety can dissolve into presence and joy.
I invite you to join me this week in this Qigong session focused on calming the mind and rejuvenating the body.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Remember Qigong is not a quick fix but a sustainable way to manage stress through consistent practice. Complement Qigong with lifestyle changes for the best results: avoid negative news, maintain a steady sleep schedule, eat nourishing foods, and spend time in nature. Meditation can also support stress relief by building awareness and calm. Give this Letting go meditation a try before bedtime to release stresses from the day.
One wonderful “side effect” of Qigong is an increase in energy and a sense of joy. Use this renewed vitality to focus on positive outlets—connect with nature, enjoy quality time with loved ones, and practice gratitude..
Embracing Compassion and Unity
When we take care of ourselves and address the root of our stress and anxiety, we become more compassionate and forgiving. We open ourselves up to other perspectives and recognize our shared humanity. With time, “othering” transforms into understanding, reminding us that we’re all in this together—and that, ultimately, it’s going to be okay.
Wishing you peace
Bhuvana
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