How to avoid stress surrounding Election Day

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Taking part in Election Day can be quite stressful.

UVA Health Psychologist Dr. Kim Penberthy says it’s very common for people to have heightened anxiety during this time.

She says focusing too hard on the outcome only makes it worse.

The best way to reduce this stress is to stay off social media and away from the TV screen showing election results.

She also says it’s important for people to understand that, by voting, they did their part and cannot control who wins the election.

“Our brains are wired to react to uncertainty with anxiety because we want to know what’s coming next, and obviously in an election it’s hard to know,” Penberthy says. “You can control your own vote, but we’re sort of waiting to find out how everyone else is voting.”

Penberthy also says other ways to destress include going for a walk out in nature or exercising.

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