PRESERVING YOUR SANITY IN PERIOD OF UNCERTAINITY

PRESERVING YOUR SANITY IN PERIOD OF UNCERTAINITY?

Elections are activities that humans in every clime of the world engage in periodically.

Even when we are armed with the knowledge that at the end only one candidate will win, the knowledge does not take away the trepidation that surrounds the uncertainties.

Guess my readers in Nigeria can agree with me that the past few weeks has been a trying time for both the haves & have nots as our means of exchange was affected in the period following the election.

Guess we are familiar with the arguments, misunderstanding, quarrel and even the separation of friends and family due to the fact we have our different choices for candidate for each position.

All of the above are totally normal but can become abnormal if we are not mindful of how there are affecting our mind-body & soul.

The big question then is, HOW DO I STAY SANE IN THIS PERIOD & LIVE TO SEE MY VOTE COUNT?

Many people are going to develop a type of stress relating to elections, known as politically induced stress

According to an?American Psychological Association survey?showed that 70% of adults?experienced?high levels of stress leading up to the 2020 election, and that stress?may unfortunately last for?some time to come. (https://psychiatry.ucsf.edu/copingresources/politics)

Political stress involves?significant feelings of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty related to politics, current events, and other world affairs. It is a highly specific form of stress as many people are so scared or uncertain of how the election day and days following the election will play out.

PRE-ELECTION DAY PLANNING

1.?????Remember this too will pass, this knowledge has a way of calming your nerves as the events unfold.

2.?????Reduce your goals and increase your self-care plans

3.?????Stock up your needs and reduce the spending on irrelevant stuffs

4.?????Minimize the news in take, especially from unreliable sources.

5.?????Learn not to personalize any experience: be compassionate with self & others.

6.?????Avoid arguments and quarrels concerning the election proceedings, rather engage in discussions that will enlighten you and others, on ?your roles as a responsible citizen. If you must engage in political discussions, adopt an open mind that allows you share your view and offer you the humility to listen to others share theirs

7.?????Invest on things that are within your control and let go of those outside your control.

8.?????Minimize social media exposure, if you are the very reactive type, this is the best time to finish that book you have been reading or take that online course you have been planning to take.

9.?????Develop a selfcare plan that will help you spend more time doing what your love and being with yourself and loved ones.

10.?Do not hate, regardless of your reasons and convictions all political parties feel their candidates are the best suited for each position, do not force people to join your party rather tell them why you think your candidate is the best and allow them make their choice.

????????????????ON VOTING DAY

11.?Visit the pulling booth and cast your vote mindfully, it is not the best day to argue about political affiliation rather a day to cast your vote with happiness and pride of a citizen of a great nation. Learn about your shared values with other voters rather than concentrating on party affiliation. Use words that connect people bearing in mind that we need each other beyond politics and that we are stronger together.

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AFTER CASTING YOUR VOTE

If the desire to protect your vote puts your mental health and life at risk, then remember that there are people trained to protect our votes bearing in mind that your vote counts only when you are alive.

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WINNER ANNOUNCE

No matter the outcome

If the aim is to serve humanity, winning or losing will never stop you, your area of influence and control can still feel you.

FINALLY, HERE IS MY TAKE!

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Elections are basically the struggle for power and position, after an election comes leadership where both the winners and loser can come together and make a difference.

I wish my beloved country Nigeria a peaceful and fruitful election that will bless us with leaders with the quest to serve humanity and make our country great always.