Is the Presidential Election Scaring You?
Posted: Friday, October 31, 2008
by Walter Rhett
Charleston Perlo
Times of great decision bring high stress. Even through the election of the president is a gro
up decision, actually state-by-state, individuals can experience anxiety, a rise in blood pressure, mood swings, nervousness, or loss of appetite. Some persons may increase their drinking. Others may "act out" in unusual ways.
Why? What causes these reactions that the media rarely covers? The stress associated with the election is primarily the result of three psychological fears or desires.
First, the fear of change. Good or bad, a new president, elected from either party, is frightening and offputing to many people. The status quo is familar. Change may have unexpected effects. The concern for how change will affect the country and its citizens can manifest physical symptoms.
Second, the desire for one candidate to prevail in the election can cause physical symptoms of stress to emerge. What our hearts and minds desire affects our bodies. Political attractions are like love connections. They manifest with the same physical factors.
Third, the intense conflict of campaigns--from which a national unity is suppose to emerge--can turn off many people who are unable to witness conflict, even the verbal war the campaigns conduct. The assaults of ads, the constant barge of negatives can create more than mere discomfort. For some, they can trigger anxiety or panic attacks.
While the election is important, so is our personal health. Humor, hobbies, family time, outdoor activities, notes to friends, brisk walks, or any activity that you find relaxing and renewing should become a part of you retinue during the next few days.
Don't let the election stress you out!
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Walter, the election itself is not scaring me, but some of the supporters of both candidates are. They spend so much time dwelling on name-calling, scare tactics, rumors, innuendos, conspiracy theories, and alarmism that they hardly have time to state the reasons why one should vote for their candidate.
Walter (and Terry) I am not a traveler in packs but I agree with Terry. The election itself doesn't scare me. (Snakes, lightning and electricity scare me.) Maybe it's because I know Who holds the future regardless of who is in the White House. I think relationships have been scarred because of this election, however. I have never witnessed and read such hostility before in my life about anything. I must have been sheltered. It's good you addressed this in an article and very well. Thank you!
PS Walter, ever since I read another of your articles, I've wanted some perlo rice! Yummmmilicious!!
Walter,I am seeing stuff by writers that is making my stomach turn. Therefore, I will take a swig of Pepto Bismol and do my daily meditation. Thanks for a needed word and respite from the fray!
Great insight and counsel, Walter. One way I keep my politics-related blood pressure and stress level low is through meditation. I meditate in the morning, and throughout the day, I sprinkle bits of meditation during short breaks from work. It's like medication without the side effects. ~mogama~
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