Yoga instructor offers tips for reducing anxiety ahead of upcoming election

RHINELANDER, WI. (WJFW)— Presidential elections are a stressful event for many voters.

The American Psychiatric Association recently reported that 43% of adults feel more anxious this year than the 2023 election. This is 37% more.

Embrace yoga studio instructor Jean Lesch experiences stress herself. But she has some advice for people on how to deal with election anxiety. Her number one suggestion is any movement.

“Maybe you don’t do yoga,” Lesh said. “But I just go out and go for a walk. Or if you go to the gym or play any hobby or sport. But it also combines with the breathing and breath work that we do to help reduce stress and release tension.”

Lesh demonstrated several stretching exercises for beginners that help relieve tension in the body. She recommends starting by straightening your spine and lowering your shoulders. These stretches will help your neck, back and shoulders, where many people experience stress.

Here are some breathing exercises you can do right from the couch to relieve stress.

Lesh suggests a deep breathing exercise that involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath, and exhaling for 6 seconds.

“One thing that has helped me – and it took a lot of work – is that we can’t control the outcome of the election.” – said Lesh. “We can vote. We can donate to a campaign of our choice. We can become volunteers. The result will be what it will be. But we can control our reaction and our response to it. And I think that’s where working to find inner peace and tranquility is so helpful.”

Other tips that can help reduce election anxiety include staying hydrated, getting quality sleep and limiting your news consumption.

Be sure to seek professional help if you feel like your anxiety is too much to handle.