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East Texas consultant and professor offers advice to reduce election-related stress
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East Texas consultant and professor offers advice to reduce election-related stress

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – If you’re feeling stressed about Tuesday’s election, you’re not alone. A survey conducted by American Psychological Association Last month, 69 percent of those surveyed reported seeing the presidential election as a significant source of stress.

Ryan Oakley, Executive Director of Alethia Family Counseling Center in Tyler, said clients sometimes become “stressed and overwhelmed by the thought that their candidate may not win, what that means for them.”

“There are people talking about the different benefits the government could provide them and they are concerned that there might be policy changes that will affect them,” Oakley added.

LeTourneau University Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. John Barrett said polarization and social media can contribute to stress during election season.

“If you believe that your political opponents are evil and that this is a game where everything is at stake, you know, there’s no second prize here, that puts a lot of pressure on you emotionally,” Barrett said.

To alleviate election-related stress or anxiety, Oakley suggested taking time for oneself, such as “going for a walk outside or spending time with friends.”

Limiting screen time can reduce election-related stress, Barrett said.

“Whatever you’re reading — memes, videos, whatever — if it’s making you anxious, if it’s making you excited, turn it off,” Barrett added.

Ryan Oakley, Executive Director of Alethia Family Counseling Center, says there are four main self-care methods that can be used to reduce stress.