The election cycle is unmatched in its ability to provoke a rollercoaster ride of emotions. With projections swinging from one candidate to the other as quickly as pollsters can share their opinions, joy can soon turn to anxiety and disappointment. With a 24/7 media barrage adding to the noise, it can be hard to know which way is up — and even harder to regulate our emotions when there’s no slowdown in the barrage of information coming our way.

We can’t predict who’ll win the White House, but we can take back control and regulate our emotions. While we might not be able to jump off the runaway train that is the election cycle, critical thinking and philosophical reflection can make it easier to keep anxiety, disappointment, and depression in check.

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” — Confucius

Dealing with election disappointment and keeping anxiety at bay can’t be achieved by simply avoiding the news cycle or checking out of social settings. Disappointment and anxiety are natural responses when situations don’t break our way, but when we approach these feelings philosophically, we can prevent them from hurtling us into despair.

Here are some tips for dealing with disappointment:

• Don’t lose sight of the big picture: Elections are vital to democracy. A new administration will inevitably mean new legislation and laws, but it doesn’t mean we must compromise our values or beliefs. Change can be a catalyst for engagement. We can use our disappointment as fuel to build resilience.
• Learn to recognize and process emotions: Anger, resentment, disappointment, frustration, and anxiety are natural responses when something doesn’t go the way we’d like. Instead of trying to suppress those feelings, allow ourselves time to sit with them and work through them.

If need be, step back from the election coverage and social media while processing our feelings. When those feelings are less raw, we can better engage positively in discussions or review the post-election analysis.

• Practice empathy and understanding: Political discord is nothing new, but it does feel more personal than ever in the build-up to this election. Rather than feed the anger rampant on social media and in the news, practice grace, empathy, and understanding. Recognize that other people will hold differing views, but that doesn’t make them an enemy or adversary. Be curious rather than combative. Ask questions and seek common goals.
• Nurture a resilient mindset: Real life mirrors the election rollercoaster. Highs and lows are inevitable. Develop a more resilient mindset by actively seeking ways to bounce back and move forward.

Disappointment can be a colossal leveler. We’ll all face it, but it doesn’t have to represent failure. The right mindset can help us navigate disappointment and allow it to be used as a positive force for change.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: A Philosophical Discourse on Disappointment with Samir Chopra PhD, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is part of The Good Citizen’s Election Season Survival Guide to Restoring Common Sense and Sanity in a Crazy World — produced in collaboration with renowned, fair-minded subject matter experts who provide strategies that enhance critical thinking, increase civic engagement, and foster healthy pleasure to boost personal well-being and relationship satisfaction.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.

GUEST BIO: Samir Chopra, PhD, is a philosophical counselor and professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He has authored and co-authored several books, including works on film, artificial intelligence, and sports. Samir is a proponent of critical thinking who assists others in managing anxiety and mental health through a philosophical approach.

His latest book is titled “Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide.”

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