The 2026 midterm election is just 50 days away; however, things are already heating up on both sides of the political divide. If the previous couple of elections are any indication, the period leading up to the this election could get quite ugly. This will produce a lot of debates and there will be significant political anxiety as well.
Until the day of the election, there will be a gradual build-up of round-the-clock coverage. This will make it difficult for individuals to escape election-related news. If you are already concerned about what it will be like, there are some tips below on handling political anxiety as the race gets closer.
Unplug
Everyone has an opinion on everything on social media, whether it’s the upcoming elections or what you ate for breakfast. Social media offers a certain level of anonymity, which can turn these platforms into a vicious war zone between individuals of differing political views with no real life accountability. Plus, social media algorithms feed you more and more inflammatory political content if you look at it, creating a feedback loop of anger and anxiety.
These highly specialized social media algorithms and echo chambers impact and alter the perceptions of everyone online — and it can spill out into real life arguments between your family and friends. You and your friend may have totally different Facebook feeds giving you completely different information and talking points. Furthermore, the rise of Artificial Intelligence has led to an unbelievable amount of bots all over the internet, including bots created by foreign countries. These bots may seem real, but they post inflammatory content and argue with people in comment sections to purposefully drive a divide between us and our fellow citizens.
Between the addicting algorithms and the rise of bots, getting into arguments over social media can become a huge waste of time and damage your real life relationships. During these divisive times, it’s best to unplug or delete the apps that you find most addictive. When I deleted all the social media apps off my phone and only allowed myself to check in on my laptop, my daily life became so much more enjoyable and rewarding! You don’t realize how much stress, energy, and attention it’s taking away from you until you truly unplug.
Avoid Political Commentary
Voting is important, especially making an educated vote. It’s also important to keep up with local and national news. However, there is only so much actual news to go round. Therefore, news outlets throw in some additional “spice,” like political commentary and “hot takes” to extend election coverage. Try to stick to the basic, straight news of the day, and then unplug to form your own thoughts and opinions. You don’t need the talking heads on tv playing in the background all day.
While good points are made in some of these commentaries at times, the majority of them are only going to increase anxiety and stress. Every publication is more or less biased towards one side or the other, and many individuals simply seek out the views of those who are politically like-minded. Nothing is wrong with searching around online to verify that your beliefs are based in facts or that other people feel the same. However, living in an echo chamber or consistently finding new ways to attack the opposition can become unhealthy.
Television stations are constantly seeking great ratings, and views drive the online world. Keep this in mind when you hear controversial statements on these platforms. Some of these people don’t even believe half of what they are saying! Even worse, most of these people get paid to sit around all day and chat about the latest headlines and controversies — so they are often detached from the experiences of average people who live and work in the real world.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Prime Women Media outlets will not be engaging in any political opinions or choosing any sides…so you’ll always have a safe haven of information here.
Become Involved in the Community in an Objective Way
One of the biggest focuses going into the midterm election of 2026 is boosting the number of voters. Many individuals are simply not interested in voting in the election and feel like their voice doesn’t matter.
Even though one vote might seem irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, the truth is actually quite the opposite. Low voter turnout means that a tiny number of voters determine big decisions for the rest of us in local and national elections. The country needs increased participation in voting to get a true measure of what citizens desire, especially in primary and midterm elections where very few people participate.
Volunteering to register people to vote is an overall positive move. It assists in spreading a good message, without having to take one side or the other. This is among the most positive things an individual can do to assist with the upcoming election. Doing a bit of good is sometimes the best way to handle any type of anxiety.
Focus on Loved Ones & Community
Whoever ends up winning the 2026 election, many people will be disappointed. Rather than allowing the election to tarnish the mood of a household or the direction of your life, focus on your loved ones and community. Simply talking to others in the real world, not listening to people online or on tv, will make you realize that we all have a lot more in common than we think.
Others may not share your political views, but we share the human experience. Connecting with someone on that deep empathetic level will make a far greater impact on your community than an argument about politics and could lead to positive change in the future. There are family members who have such strong opinions against each other’s views that it sometimes breaks a family. But, is losing a relationship over political differences worth it in the end?
Strive to influence and focus on what is within your control, and do not allow a victory or a defeat to make a huge difference. Embrace your beliefs, work hard pursuing your individual goals, and do not allow politics to consume too much of your energy. And if you are facing political anxiety, know you’re not alone. The American Psychological Association has resources to help cope with political anxiety, and using our tips above can make a difference.
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