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Staying Safe, Healthy, and Connected: Tips for Food Allergy Families Facing Election Season Stress

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Inclusion Matters

Staying Safe, Healthy, and Connected: Tips for Food Allergy Families Facing Election Season Stress

by Aleasa Word, FAACT Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

November 2024

Stress and anxiety are prevalent everywhere. According to a recent Gallup poll, in 2023, roughly 49% of adults reported feeling stressed often. Additionally, there has been a gap in the stress between women and men, with women coming in at around 53% reporting frequent stress and men at 45%.

In 2024, this stress has been exacerbated by the highly charged presidential election. As we approach the end of this tumultuous election cycle, stress may become increasingly evident, and precautions to preserve safety and wellbeing are paramount. There have been well-documented links between nervous systems and immune systems in research. Finding ways to relieve stress and ease anxiety may provide support for overall wellbeing.

Here are some considerations to help you find ways to wind down. If your concerns are significant, it may be worth scheduling an appointment with a licensed clinical professional.

Stay Grounded

  1. Mindfulness practices: Deep breathing and breath work exercises help regulate our nervous systems.
  2. Setting short- and long-term boundaries: Limiting exposure to social media and news or conversations about the political environment can help. Block negative content.
  3. Lean in: Leaning into your personal support systems with family and friends and encouraging conversations about ways to manage stress and anxiety in healthy ways can be productive.

Food-Allergy Focus

  1. Pay attention: During stressful times, it is easy to lose focus. Remember your food-allergy safety protocols and routines to help provide stability.
  2. Rest matters: Stay on a healthy sleep schedule, which can also help with sticking to a healthy nutritional routine.
  3. Get moving: Find simple activities that are safe while remembering to be vigilant in all surroundings, especially new and unfamiliar ones.

Diversity of Thought

  1. Differing views: Set conversation boundaries with others who think differently than you to avoid conflict regarding political beliefs.
  2. Empathy as a friend: Remember others’ perspectives may have validity too. Don’t feel compelled to engage in heated conversations, but be willing to learn about what you might not understand, even if your views don’t change.
  3. Get out: Plan your exit strategy in advance to remove yourself form toxic conversations and disengage politely.

Safety Planning

  1. Poll plans: Lines may be very long on Election Day. Plan to pack allergen-safe snacks to take with you.
  2. Preparedness: Disruptions to our normal routines may be a possibility. Be sure to have adequate stores of safe foods at home and get in touch with local support groups if you need help or want to offer assistance.
  3. Check in: Check in with family and friends in different areas before and after the election. Staying in communication with others helps ease everyone’s anxiety and stress.
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