What People Who Work In Politics Do When They're Stressed Out By Politics
As we race toward Election Day, it’s only natural to feel stress and anxiety about the potential outcomes and their consequences. You may find yourself consumed by polling data, Twitter chatter and cable news punditry.
For people who work in politics, this kind of fixation is a familiar experience. But unlike others, they usually don’t have the luxury to unplug from the political news cycle, due to the unique demands of their jobs.
Still, they have other self-care strategies. HuffPost asked people who work in politics to share what they do when they’re stressed out by them. Read on for their activities of choice. (Note: Some names have been changed or shortened to allow staffers to freely discuss their jobs.)
They hit the kitchen.
“I usually bake when I’m feeling stressed by what’s going on at work or more broadly in the political realm. I really like Mark Bittman’s ‘How To Bake Everything’ book, and lately, I’ve been trying to figure out how to perfect my pie crusts.” ― Sarah, congressional staffer in Washington, D.C.
They get some pet therapy.
“When I’m feeling really stressed out, I snuggle my dog. But if you can’t get a dog, a bottle of wine is also a nice alternative.” ― Alanna Vagianos, HuffPost enterprise politics reporter in New York City
“Besides binge watching TV series (go watch ‘The Queen’s Gambit’), I’ve been spending my free time with my dog. Taking long walks with Maverick gives me an escape from the 24/7 political news cycle that we live in and allows me to mentally recharge.”— Janie, chief of staff in Washington, D.C.
They spend time with loved ones — however they can.
“I used to do retail therapy with my daughter, but now I am relegated to visiting her on her front porch through a window screen because it is that kind of election year.” ― Megan, political columnist and activist working for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign in Washington, D.C.
