HEALTH: Don’t let the stressful election ruin your health

If you're feeling stressed out by the looming election, you're not alone. According to an online survey released last month by the American Psychological Association, 52% of adult Americans reported that the upcoming vote is "a very or somewhat significant source of stress."

Electoral angst is just about the only thing in America that's bipartisan these days. Among registered Republicans, 59% of those surveyed said they were stressing, while the number of nail-biting registered Democrats was a statistically comparable 55%.

"We're looking for a strong leader, no matter which side of the aisle you're on," says Dr. Pete Sulack, an expert on stress and stress management. "A lot of us feel we don't have a good choice, and whenever anyone feels trapped it activates the stress response in the brain." Simply seeing the face of the candidate you oppose can flood your system with cortisol, says Sulack, raising your blood pressure and suppressing your immune system.

So how can you keep yourself calm and healthy between now and Tuesday?

Unplug

Refreshing your Facebook and Twitter feeds regularly to see what your "friends" are saying about Trump and Clinton? You might want to cut that out. Among social media users, 55% of those in the APA survey reported stress, compared to 45% among those staying away from online chatter. "If you know that's part of what's ramping up your stress, give yourself permission to take a break," says Dr. Vaile Wright, a licensed psychologist and a member of the APA's Stress in America team.

Breathe

If you find yourself in a confrontation with someone from the other side of the political divide, avoiding escalation can be as simple as taking a deep breath. "Focus on breathing is one of people's critical tools," Wright says. "If we can slow our breathing down, it really calms us. You can do it with any situation that you feel you can't walk away from." Meditation, yoga, prayer — all these can help you to chill out.

Get moving

Physical activity of any kind can reduce your stress and distract you from the endless news cycle. If you can go outside to exercise, that's even better. "Get out in nature, even if it's just a walk in the grass at lunchtime," says Sulack.

Get enough sleep and eat right

 Being overtired will just shorten your fuse and make your immune system even more vulnerable. And while it might be tempting to sit on the couch drinking wine and eating ice cream to blot out the news, avoiding sugar, caffeine and alcohol will help stabilize your mood.

Be positive

Focusing on gratitude and being generous toward others will actually counteract some of the negative physical effects of stress, says Sulack. Try not to let yourself get too dark. "Cynicism and hopelessness will depress your immune system," he says.

Vote as soon as you can

"We're hearing that early voting has been a significant way for people to manage their anxiety," Wright says. "People feel they've fulfilled their role as a citizen and can ignore a lot of the news." Even if you can't vote early, she says, make sure you get to the polls on Election Day. "You'll be using your voice, and hopefully feeling that you're taking a proactive step."