I Need a Break

March 2016

I need a break.

The United States’ 2016 presidential election campaign has gone on longer than a rhino’s pregnancy (about 450 days). It’s outlasted a walrus’s gestation period (about 15 months). And, it’s in strong competition to beat the gravidity length of a whale or dolphin (17-19 months).

Millions of American babies were born between the time candidates began announcing their intentions to run for office and the end of the 2016 primaries. That was 14 months for the Democratic nominee and 12 months for the Republican. Now we’re four months past that!

I’ve watched debates, rallies, forums, and videos, listened to sound bites and newscasts. I’ve read magazine and newspaper articles and rants and jokes by Facebook friends. I'm on overload.

Experts are saying the extended election period and our unlimited information access are major factors in Americans’ heightened election stress and anxiety levels. Counselors and massage therapists reported seeing more clients who seek relief from election anxiety. The American public is becoming overwhelmed.

My head is too full. I am taking a break. Hundreds of other activities can fill my time and mind.

I have writing to do.  I’m participating in OctPoWriMo 2016, where I have committed to writing a poem each day of the month. I have my writing class, critique group, and my on-going memoir, commitments for The DayMaker and articles for two different newsletters. And, what about that chapbook of poems I’ve been threatening to put together?

Exercise.  I can take myself to the gym to work out on my own or participate in group classes like Zumba and body sculpting. Strengthen my core. I have my Fitbit and need to make those 10,000 steps per day – minimum – preferably out in nature.

Read. Just sit down and read a good book. A book that enthralls me. A book that teaches me something about writing or the world or myself. A book that makes me laugh or cry.

Meet up with friends for coffee or a glass of wine. And, allot a very short window, maybe 5 minutes, for political talk – or make it completely off limits.

Clean house. Clean up my computer files. Clear some clutter. Switch to my fall/winter purse.

Limit my social media time. I remember how relaxed and good I felt in Canada that week of the writing workshop I attended. No phones, no internet, no television. No political news.

The campaign will proceed without me for a few days while I recoup. I’m taking a break.

Maybe you need a break from the political fray, too. Without mentioning your political peeves or position, let us know if you’re feeling a bit of election anxiety and how you’re coping with it.

Meanwhile, take care of YOU.

~ xoA ~