Anxiety, fear & dread are prominent emotions for many Americans right now as Election Day 2020 draws nearer.

In fact, almost 70% of Americans say that the pending election is a significant source of stress these days, according to a new survey conducted by the American Psychological Association.

It’s been a hard year for Americans, from Los Angeles to Philadelphia and every city and state in between.

Between the COVID-19 global pandemic, racial unrest and natural disasters like the west coast forest fires, it’s no surprise that many Americans are feeling nervous about our nation’s future.

No matter what the outcome of the 2020 USA election, our yoga teachers have some tips for how you can cope, not only as November 3rd approaches, but beyond too, no matter what the results are.

1) Just Breathe

New Jersey Innergy yoga teacher Patti Lindstrom has some great advice for all of us.

“Taking the time to stop and take intentional deep breaths allows you to calm the mind and relax the body,” says Lindstrom.

“Breathe through the nose, filling the belly and exhaling out the mouth, releasing any tension.

“Los Angeles yoga teacher Lina Alfinito agrees.

“It sounds simple,” says Alfinito, “but often when we are stressed, we tend to unconsciously hold our breath. Take notice of your breath every now and then. Is it short and shallow?  Do you find yourself holding your breath?

A great breathing exercise to reset yourself and relax is the ‘five-two-five’ breath. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for two, exhale for five more, then repeat a few more times.”

2) Write down 3 things you are grateful for

“Start your day off thinking of one thing you are grateful for and write it down,” Lindstrom advises.

“You can come back to this during your day if you begin feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.”

3) Unplug From it All

“It’s hard,” says Alfinito.

“In the age of the 24-hour news cycle, we’re used to seeing constant updates and stimulation. Give yourself time to unplug.

Watching the results? Give yourself an hour block with no phone or tv.

Are there app notifications you can turn off? Or maybe just put your phone on airplane mode altogether!”

4) Distance Yourself

“We all have that one friend or family member, no matter how well-intentioned, that causes that extra stress in political matters,” reminds LA yoga teacher Alfinito.

This week, try to distance yourself a bit. Either unfollow them on social media or take a break from their texts and calls.

If your communication style is more direct, feel free to tell them how you feel.

‘I’m taking a break this week from discussing the election, I’d love to talk about something else going on in your life.’

Creating boundaries and making space for yourself is key in these stressful times.”

5) Take an Inversion (Yoga Pose)

“Inversions don’t have to be standing on your head or doing handstands,” reminds New Jersey yoga teacher Lindstrom.

“An inversion is any pose where the heart is above the head.

Do a downward facing dog, forward fold, happy baby or take legs up the wall to help calm the nervous system and produce feelings of balance and peace.

Inversions can also make us feel reenergized and mentally rejuvenated.”

Remember…

You might be stressed out in Los Angeles or having anxiety in Philadelphia.

You may need some reassurance that everything is going to be ok in New York, New Jersey, Seattle, Dallas, or anywhere else in the USA.

Remember these tips to help ease your election fears and calm your mind.

Yoga, meditation & even just simple things like deep breathing can help.