Worn out on this election?
Do you find that you are down more than normal?
Do you want to scream when you hear an ad for any candidate?
Do you desire to go to sleep and wake up on November 9th?
You may be suffering from election fatigue. Here are my top 10 suggestions for fighting this fatigue and getting victory over it.
- Laugh. Laughter is medicine for the soul (Proverbs 17:22). What makes you laugh the most? What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? What is the funniest thing you have ever seen? Do you have a favorite comedian? Whatever or whoever it is, enjoy a good belly laugh.
- Spend time with a Friend. Call an old friend to hang out. Go on a date. Share some coffee or a Coke. Do an activity together. Make your one rule for your time together – no election talk. Friends have a special way to help us become better together (Proverbs 27:17).
- Take a Walk. Enjoy God’s beautiful creation around you. Autumn is gorgeous this year. Trees are turning. Temperatures are wonderful. Take time to look at the details of the created universe around you. Embrace God’s handiwork as it reflects His glory (Psalm 19:1). While you walk, reflect on your blessings that you have in Christ. Consider the cross. Think about all for which you have to be grateful. Reflect on the gospel.
- Limit News and Social Media. Give yourself a time limit on how much news you will watch per day. Watch just enough to know what is going on around you and forget the rest. The news cycle is filled with tabloid election coverage. Be kind to yourself and step away from it for the majority of the day. Use your normal news time to do some of these other activities or as a special opportunity to meditate on the Bible (Psalm 1:1-3).
- Movie Night. Is there a movie you’ve been wanting to see? A classic? A nature or educational program? Possibly your favorite show on Netflix. Maybe one you have recorded on the DVR that you have not watched yet. Take time over the next few days to catch up on your viewing pleasure. Pop or buy some popcorn. Get your favorite drink. Sit down for a fun time.
- Serve a Neighbor. Bake cookies. Rake a yard. Write a note. Visit a nursing home. Spend time with someone lonely. Just do something that gets your attention off yourself and on someone else. Be creative. Look for ways to serve other people in love (Galatians 5:13).
- Help a Child. Do you know children that you can in some way serve them or their families? Can you offer to take a family out for ice cream? Take a child on a shopping spree? Play a game? Work a puzzle? Ride bikes? Do some homework? Throw a ball? Consider the children in your life as to how you can specifically bring a smile, share some joy, or in some way encourage.
- Watch Sports. This is the only time of year that the NFL, NBA, and MLB are all playing at the same time. Plus there is so many other opportunities to watch fall sports. Go to your local track meet. Enjoy high school district football, volleyball, soccer. Cheer for a favorite team or just enjoy watching talented athletes. This is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Invite a friend or colleague or family member to enjoy it with you.
- Enjoy your Favorite Hobby. What do you like doing? Fishing? Hunting? Reading? Sports? Crochet? Shopping? Video games? Writing? Models? Skateboarding? Golf? Scrapbooking? Crafts? You name it…what’s your favorite? Go enjoy it.
- Trust and Pray. Remember that God is ultimately in control, even of governments (Daniel 2:20-21; Isa 40:15-17; Rom 13:1). God is not asleep nor does He slumber (Psalm 121:4). He encourages us to cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), come to Jesus for rest (Matthew 11:28-29), and in everything pray (Philippians 4:6). We are still to do our part; however, we can trust God who is providentially in control of the world around us.
My advice? Do something fun and in the process try to serve someone. In just a few short days this election cycle will be over. Praise God! In the meantime, trust God and focus on something else for a few minutes.