Elements Massage offers 10 ways to manage your stress now that the election is over.
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo., (November 9, 2016) — “You win some, you lose some.” It’s an old adage that warns against taking defeat to heart, but this year’s presidential election seems to defy that logic. Most people agree this may be the most passionately divided electorate in memory.
The majority of Americans are waking up today feeling like “they’ve won,” while others are rising with the knowledge, “they’ve lost” and can’t fathom the possibility of failure for their chosen candidate. So, how do you cope if the election didn’t go your way?
Jennifer Skinner, a licensed professional counselor with Kettle Morraine Counseling in West Bend, Wisconsin, has some ideas. Here are her suggestions for surviving the election and beyond:
1) “Keep everything in perspective.”
The role of President is important, but thanks to the U.S. Constitution, the concept of checks and balances spreads power over three branches of government. Elections may seem like life or death to us, but the reality is the U.S. government is built with layers of accountability.
2) “Learn basic relaxation techniques, like deep, methodical breathing, to keep yourself in control.”
It may sound simple, but the act of taking deep breaths has a positive physiological effect. The human body cannot co-exist in both the sympathetic state (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic state (non-threatened and relaxed). Learning this technique can keep your parasympathetic system active, and not anxiety-ridden or panicked.
3) “Don’t wallow.”
Go ahead and feel disappointed if things didn’t work out the way you wanted, but then get on with your life. The sooner you return to taking part in activities you enjoy, the better.
4) “Take action. Advocate.”
Nothing will bring you out of the doldrums faster than working for the causes that are important to you. Volunteer to make a difference in the areas that attracted you to your candidate, and work toward the change you want to see.
5) “Kick your endorphins into gear!”
Take care of yourself. Go for a massage. Take a yoga class. Try out a float tank. At a minimum, go for a walk to help you feel better. Exercise can help turn your mood around quickly.
6) “Look for the humor.”
Laughing for 10 minutes a day has benefits that can last all day. Find things that amuse you and surround yourself with them.
7) “Don’t drown your sorrows.”
You probably know alcohol is a depressant, but that doesn’t stop people from drinking to feel better. Watch your alcohol intake always, but particularly when you’re feeling most vulnerable.
8) “Be curious.”
Listen to the people who took the other side of issues. Is there something to learn from them? What was their perspective and what led them to their decision?
9) “Take politics off the holiday dinner table.”
If you truly feel like your family cannot safely discuss politics, then it’s best to agree ahead of time that this is not a welcomed topic of conversation during this holiday season.
10) “If you really can’t let it go, seek professional help.”
There are times in life when talking to someone about your feelings is the healthiest course of action. Don’t be afraid to open up. It can really help.
Skinner says feeling passionately about elections is normal, but we also need to focus on our well-being and the health of our relationships with the people we work with, live with and interact with every day.
About Elements Massage™ and WellBiz Brands Inc.
WellBiz Brands Inc. is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and is one of the largest health and wellness companies in the United States. The company owns three separate franchise entities: Elements Therapeutic Massage Inc., which franchises massage studios, providing custom therapeutic massage to meet clients’ needs; Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, which franchises one-on-one and semi-private group personal training studios; and Fit 36 Inc., which franchises high-intensity interval training studios, with workouts done as a group.
Fitness Together Franchise Corporation began franchising in 1996 and has approximately 165 Fitness Together® locations across the United States. Elements Therapeutic Massage Inc. began franchising in 2006 and has approximately 230 Elements Massage™ locations in 36 states. Fit 36 Inc. began franchising in 2014 and has seven locations in Denver, Virginia and New Jersey.
For more information about Elements Massage™, visit ElementsMassage.com. For more information about Fitness Together®, visit FitnessTogether.com. For more information on FIT36™ visit FIT36fitness.com.