Managing Stress and Anxiety During Election Seasons with Dr. Darien Sutton

Recognizing the Signs of Stress

• ⚠️ It's crucial to recognize stress, as it's a significant contributor to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
• 💡 Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline increase heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• 🧠 Signs of stress include trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty focusing, and physical symptoms like stomach pain, headaches, and chest pain.

Strategies for Stress Alleviation

• 🎯 The goal is not to ignore stress but to manage your body's response to it, especially since election outcomes directly affect lives.
• 🧘 Breathing techniques are highly effective; a simple method involves inhaling for four seconds, holding for four seconds, and exhaling for four seconds, repeated to exit the stress cycle.
• 😌 Deep breaths signal safety to the body, shifting it from a "flight or fight" state to a "rest and digest" state for relaxation.

Moderating Exposure to Election News

• 📺 While staying informed is important, it's essential to set boundaries around consuming election-related content.
• 📱 Social media is a major culprit, offering real-time responses that can create constant anxiety; schedule specific times to check updates.
• 🚶 Balance your exposure by incorporating activities like taking a walk after each online check to refresh your body and mind.
• 🚫 It is acceptable and can be helpful to block individuals or sources that consistently contribute to your stress or anxiety.