Seven in ten Americans stressed by elections

In October as the two thousand twenty-six midterms approached, seventy percent of Americans reported stress or anxiety about the elections, according to LifeStance Health online survey data.

Elections can harm your heart

A two thousand twenty-two study found higher rates of acute cardiovascular disease in the five days following the two thousand twenty presidential election than in the same period two weeks before.

Heart problems spiked after two thousand sixteen

Studies in two thousand twenty and two thousand twenty-one showed higher rates of heart problems in the days following the two thousand sixteen election, including increased cardiac arrhythmias and acute cardiovascular disease.

Plan your news consumption in advance

Dr.Megan Kamath, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at UCLA, said decide in advance how much news you want to consume and make a plan to prioritize regular meals, movement, sleep and activities you enjoy.

“Decide in advance how much news you want to consume and make a plan to prioritize regular meals, movement, sleep and activities you enjoy.”

Expect election results to take time

Lindsey Rosman, an assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University, said close races often take days to count. That is normal, and knowing it ahead of time makes the uncertainty easier to sit with.

“Close races often take days to count. That's normal, and knowing it ahead of time makes the uncertainty easier to sit with.”

Turn off news notifications and check updates at intervals

Dr. Kamath advised turning off nonessential news notifications and checking for updates at planned intervals rather than continuously. The news will be there when you come back.

Put screens away an hour before bed

Lindsey Rosman said put screens away an hour before bed. Refreshing all night keeps your stress response switched on and will not change the outcome.

“Put screens away an hour before bed. Refreshing all night keeps your stress response switched on and won't change the outcome.”

Exercise and socialise to manage stress

Ashley Huggins, a psychology professor at the University of Arizona, said engaging in activities like exercise, spending time with loved ones, or cooking a meal can help people manage stress.

Calm your nervous system with breathing exercises

Ashley Huggins said doing guided breathing or progressive muscle relaxation exercises can be helpful to relieve some physical symptoms of anxiety.

“Doing guided breathing or progressive muscle relaxation exercises can also be helpful to relieve some physical symptoms of anxiety.”

Avoid alcohol, nicotine and extra caffeine

Experts said avoid substances like alcohol, nicotine and extra caffeine. Go to bed at your usual time too. The results will be the same if you see them the next morning.

“The results will be the same if you see them the next morning.”

Watch for misinformation during elections

During and after an election is prime time for bad actors to share incorrect or false information. If a claim prompts a strong emotional reaction, that is a red flag it might not be accurate.

Be especially wary of rigged election claims

Be especially wary of claims about rigged elections or voting problems on either side of the aisle. If you hear something that does not sound right, check PolitiFact.