or “How I am learning to not be a bedwetter”
We all knew the polls would tighten — everybody told us — and yet here we are, collectively and individually (in many cases) freaking the eff out. After spending way too much time the past two days reading the polls, refreshing DKos, checking Twitter, etc., I have put myself on a program to recover my chill. It’s not really 12 steps, but let’s go with poetic license on that count. Anyway, my guide to surviving till Election Day; your mileage may vary; no guarantee of results is implied...
- Do not click on any “I told you so” diary, and if I accidentally click on one, do not engage in the arguments therein. The Back button is my friend.
- Checking 538’s numbers is good; reading the user comments is bad. Only check 538 once/day.
- Never click on links to alt-right sites, even if I think that it is a conspiracy that I need to acquaint myself with to be able to argue with those people on Facebook.
- Never argue with those people on Facebook/Twitter/DKos.
- Stop reading Politico. Seriously.
- Do not engage in unskewing; the polls may be volatile, but pollsters are not intentionally doing it.
- Stop reading all articles/diaries/twitter rants about media unfairness. It’s not going to change anything, and just gives me Gore flashbacks. I hate the saying “it is what it is”, but that is true for the media.
- Go for a walk; September is lovely where I live.
- Volunteer; I am going to try canvassing even though I am an awkward introvert. The best thing for my election anxiety is working to change the thing I am anxious about.
How are you finding your chill in this tightening race?
Update: I only had 9 and that was sad! but the comments added so many good ideas that I can really make it a 12-step program:
10. Meditation, mindfulness, and CBT help me to put my brain into a place where it can be calm.
11. I am on a monthly donation plan, and add in extras when I can.
12. Vote! It’s so obvious, and yet I missed it.