Was anyone else feeling super excited to have the elections over so that we would stop seeing all of the political ads on TV, stop getting endless texts and e-mails about it and seeing non stop posts about it on social media? Anyone else not feeling the sense of relief you thought you’d be feeling with the election being over, because a whole new level of stress is now in our midst? Navigating the aftermath of an election can be a stressful experience, particularly when disagreements with friends and loved ones arise. For those with Adrenal Insufficiency, managing stress is even more crucial. Here are a few tips that might help you maintain your well-being during these times:
1. Prioritize Self-Care
Ensure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, taking your meds and vitamins, exercising, practicing good hygiene and staying hydrated. Your body needs all the support it can get to handle stress. Make sure to listen to your body and give it the nutrients and rest it needs to function optimally. Also, do some regular check-ins with yourself to make sure you are taking care of yourself.
2. Set Boundaries
It’s okay to limit conversations about politics if they become too stressful. Let your friends and loved ones know that you need to focus on your health. Politely, but firmly, steer conversations away from contentious topics if they start to affect your peace of mind. Keep in mind that not everyone will respect the boundaries that you set, so you may need to either keep reminding them, or re-evaluate your relationship with them, since having good boundaries is a healthy part of relationships.
3. Practice Stress-Relief Techniques
Deep breathing, meditation, praying, reading, and gentle exercise can help calm your mind and body. Find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine. These activities can help balance cortisol levels and make it easier for your adrenal glands to function properly. Going for a walk outside, if you can, would be very helpful.
4. Updose Steroids and other Meds if Necessary
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, stress can become overwhelming. In such cases, it might be necessary to take extra steroids or other medications, if you start feeling low cortisol symptoms. As always, contact your doctor and follow their instructions on how much to updose in times of stress.
5. Stay Connected
While it’s important to set boundaries, also make sure to stay connected with supportive friends and family who understand your condition and can offer a listening ear. Having a support system can make a significant difference in managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook. If you need some professional help, don’t be afraid to find someone that you can talk to that might help you manage the stress.
6. Unplug
Staying connected is important, but sometimes, being on social media, even if you aren’t talking about the elections with your friends, can feel overwhelming. You most likely will still see other people’s posts about politics, and this can be hard to avoid. It’s ok to just take a time out. This goes with watching or reading the news as well. This might also be your chance to find a new hobby that you enjoy.
Remember, it’s ok to disagree with your friends and loved ones over topics, such as elections, but keep in mind that when it truly comes down to it, your relationships with your friends and loved ones are much more important than arguing over people that you most likely will never even meet in person. Also, with Adrenal Insufficiency, your health comes first. Taking these steps can help you navigate post-election stress more effectively, ensuring that you remain healthy and balanced.
This Is My New Normal 