16楼pp_dream
(Another day in paradise)
发表于 2016-10-26 21:48
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5 tips for right now if you're super-stressed by Trump vs. Clinton
It's not 1860, when the election actually did shatter the country. It's not 1968 when the country once again was falling apart.
It's not even 1980, when interest rates were double-digits, Iran held American hostages and a former movie star was on the ballot.
But there's still — or just — two weeks left in Trump vs. Clinton.
No matter who you support for president, the 2016 race is stressing out a majority of those polled, according to the American Psychological Association.
The subset of the "Stress in America" survey released earlier this month finds that 52 percent of those asked say they are very or somewhat stressed by the race for president between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.
So, what can you do? The organization suggests:
1. Turning it off
"Limit your media consumption. Read just enough to stay informed. Turn off the newsfeed or take a digital break. Take some time for yourself, go for a walk, or spend time with friends and family doing things that you enjoy."
2. Quieting the conflict
"Avoid getting into discussions about the election if you think they have the potential to escalate to conflict. Be cognizant of the frequency with which you're discussing the election with friends, family members or co-workers."
3. Doing something else
"Stress and anxiety about what might happen is not productive. Channel your concerns to make a positive difference on issues you care about. Consider volunteering in your community, advocating for an issue you support or joining a local group. Remember that in addition to the presidential election, there are state and local elections taking place in many parts of the country, providing more opportunities for civic involvement."
4. Trusting history
"Whatever happens on Nov. 8, life will go on. Our political system and the three branches of government mean that we can expect a significant degree of stability immediately after a major transition of government. Avoid catastrophizing, and maintain a balanced perspective."
5. Realizing your vote matters
"Vote. In a democracy, a citizen's voice does matter. By voting, you will hopefully feel you are taking a proactive step and participating in what for many has been a stressful election cycle. Find balanced information to learn about all the candidates and issues on your ballot (not just the presidential races), make informed decisions and wear your 'I voted' sticker with pride."
The stress, apparently, doesn't discriminate by time zone or political affiliation.
"We're seeing that it doesn't matter whether you're registered as a Democrat or Republican — U.S. adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election," said Lynn Bufka, the group's associate executive director for practice research and policy.
And it's not just TV coverage. Four in 10 report that their blood pressure is rising from discussions about the election on social media, the group says.
"Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration, particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to hostile or even inflammatory," Bufka said.
Chris Borick, a Muhlenberg College political science professor and head of the college's Institute of Public Opinion, says while there have been elections in more difficult times, this one is unique on the panic meter.
The stress is measurable both in polling data and in speaking with voters, he said.
"More people come up saying how much this election bothers them," he said. "It's literally keeping them up at night, causing them incredible levels of discomfort. I'm a political scientist and a pollster. Sometimes I feel like therapist. Personally I've never seen anything like this."
With almost two in three people polled saying they don't like Trump and more than 50 percent with a similar dislike of Clinton, stress is no surprise, Borick said.
"Ninety percent (of people polled) say they are concerned" about the election, Borick said. "... Polls show that Americans are worried about the direction of the country, and you layer in two unpopular candidates and it causes a large degree of tension and anxiety among the electorate."
Borick, as with most people, is inundated with politics due to its constant availability on TV, in print and across social media.
"It is everywhere. It's hard to avoid," he said. "The level of information and delivery systems are undoubtedly contributing to the overall stress."
For at least one party affiliation, the hoped-for outcome by Nov. 9 will end the sleepless nights, he said.
"For lots of Americans, there's going to be relief because their preferred candidate won the election," Borick said. "The option perhaps they most fear is removed from the equation."
That doesn't necessarily mean it will be over for everybody. But without an issue such as slavery on the table, the election should have an expiration date, Borick said.
"As much as people right now are totally invested in not seeing an outcome they are afraid of, I don't think the country will be interested in continuing the campaigns on Nov. 9," he said.
