A journalist’s guide to surviving this election season
The billboards are out in force, colourfully polluting the landscapes of our neighbourhoods. Election talk is a constant buzz in the back of our minds as we near October’s big day.
Turns out ‘election stress disorder’ is a real thing.
We must recognise how all-consuming elections can be especially working in the media industry. Now is the time to start putting in measures to ensure we healthily make it through this election season.
If you have some self-care coping skills that work for you, now is the time to bring them out and make them a part of your everyday routine.
We’ve also come up with a few suggestions:
Avoid excess election conversation: It is crucial to let your family or friends know if you have had enough of the election conversation (or opinionated discussions). If someone brings it up, don’t take the bait and change the subject. If you want to talk to someone about your work with elections but don’t want the inevitable political discussions that can go with it, then please book a chat with a media chaplain.
Don’t forget to make time for the stuff you enjoy: lock in time for getting to the gym, meeting up with friends, cooking, watching movies, reading or whatever you enjoy doing. Let yourself enjoy it! Take some time to breathe, get outside or use Headspace's meditations around stress and anxiety.
Get some sleep: A good night’s sleep can be the pinnacle of self-care. Take steps to promote restful and productive sleep such as: limiting screentime to daytime hours, avoiding caffeine later in the day, and keeping a routine bedtime and wake-up time.
Debrief: It’s important to take the time to work through anything you might have witnessed covering elections or any feelings of anxiety, stress and even frustration. If you have a counsellor - lock in a few appointments. Our chaplains are also available if you want a confidential listening ear - feel free to share this with any of your colleagues who might need some support.
Budget your time online: It’s inevitable you will be online, just make sure it’s not all the time. Download an app to limit your online activity (such as Freedom or YourHour) to business hours or turn off your phone two hours before bed.
Block the idiots: Seriously, don’t waste your time. Block the trolls, your opinionated father-in-law, or whoever is just not contributing to your well-being. You can always add them back… after October 14.
Other resources:
Struggling with the stress of this election? We’re here to help. Book a chat with a media chaplain here.