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Are Politics Stressing You Out?

Studies show a vast majority of Americans say politics is one of the top reasons they feel overwhelmed. Cooper Clinic Preventive Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Officer Michele Kettles, MD, MSPH , offers ways you can stay informed without becoming overwhelmed.
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What causes you stress? Is it work? Money? Maybe even a lack of time spent with family and friends? It turns out, a vast majority of Americans say politics is one of the top reasons they feel overwhelmed.

A February 2024 Pew poll showed 65% of U.S. adults always or often felt exhausted by politics and 55% always or often felt angry. This is something Cooper Clinic Preventive Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Officer Michele Kettles, MD, MSPH , hears frequently from her patients.

“I would say a majority of my patients say politics causes them stress,” says Kettles. In fact, several of Kettles’ patients say the political climate causes them to stress eat, have heart palpitations and feel angry, confused and sad.

Kettles offers a few ways you can stay informed about what’s going on in the political sphere without stressing yourself out.

Turn off the tube

If you watch the news or any political talk shows, Kettles recommends not doing so before you head to bed. “When people tell me politics are stressing them out, the first thing I ask them is, ‘are you watching the news before bed?’” says Kettles.

Kettles discourages watching TV (or any “screens”) 30 minutes before bed (the light can stimulate wakefulness), but especially discourages watching programs that can cause anxiety or stress. “It doesn’t matter what side of the political fence you’re on, some of the political talk shows can expose you to sometimes aggressive and combative banter, which can be stressful,” says Kettles.
If you want to stay informed, Kettles recommends reading print articles in newspapers or political magazines. If you have a tendency to become riled up by such articles, try reading them during the day and not right before you fall asleep.

Talk. Or don’t.

For some, talking about what’s going on in politics can be therapeutic. For others, it’s the complete opposite. “Some of my patients say they refuse to talk about politics with anyone because it’s too divisive,” says Kettles.

On the other hand, Kettles says some of her patients say talking about politics with others actually provides relief. No matter if you talk with those who agree or disagree with your beliefs, Kettles says it’s important to have these discussions in a respectful manner.
“There is a way to keep a conversation intellectual and really listen to the person you’re talking to without increasing anxiety and becoming angry,” says Kettles.

Get involved

Want to make your voice heard? Getting involved in political organizations at a local level might help reduce your stress. A 2017 study on stress by the American Psychological Association found 51% of Americans felt more compelled to volunteer or support causes as a result of the political climate.

“There are so many organizations, no matter your political party, that revolve around issues you’re passionate about,” says Kettles. “Getting involved is a great way to channel your stress in a positive way.”

Not sure where to start? Try the following:

  • Contact your local leaders

  • Attend town hall meetings

  • Contribute financially to organizations you support

  • Attend peaceful rallies and protests

  • Run for office yourself

Practice self-care

At the end of the day, the best way to fight stress is to put yourself first.

“I can’t promote the value of self-care enough,” says Kettles. “When we get stressed we tend to not eat as well or get adequate sleep. Maybe we skip exercise. Most people know what makes them feel better, it’s just about fitting it into the day.”

Don’t let your healthy habits slip. Follow these tips to help reduce stress:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Exercise (aim for 150 minutes per week)
  • Meditate
  • Get enough sleep (7-8 hours per night for adults)
  • Laugh often

For more self-care tips, visit the Health Tips section of our website. For more information about Cooper Clinic, visit cooper-clinic.com or call 972.560.2667 .