The current election is game-changing, and many people find themselves glued to media—both social and traditional. With the fate of the nation at stake, concerns about personal lives and the country’s direction are at an all-time high.

While every election brings change, this one feels particularly personal for Black women. It’s not just a political moment; it’s about identity, representation, and voice. From memes degrading Vice President Harris to questions about her identity and verbal attacks on predominantly Black cities, this election season has made it clear: these issues go beyond politics. Platforms like TikTok have only amplified this negativity, turning what used to be casual scrolling into a constant barrage of misinformation and stress.

Black women, as natural protectors, often find themselves engaging in debates, correcting false narratives, and absorbing the emotional weight of it all. This can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness, and rising anger. The discussions online feel personal, as the attacks aren’t just on politicians, they’re aimed at people who could be family members, distant cousins, or women in the community.

The level of stress from this election season is overwhelming. As strong and resilient as Black women are, it’s important to step back and, as the younger generation says, “touch the grass.” Black women are fierce defenders of democracy, not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. However, carrying this responsibility comes with mental and physical costs.

Stress is detrimental to overall well-being. The ability to push through challenges is a strength, but it can also lead to burnout and exhaustion. Often, Black women are expected to be the “strong Black woman,” which doesn’t allow for balance in how they’re cared for, even in medical spaces. Yale School of Medicine website highlights how racial stress accelerates aging. As explained by Kayla Yup, “Weathered by a lifetime of racial discrimination, Black women age earlier and faster. Researchers theorize this accelerated health deterioration is caused by cumulative exposure to race-based stressors in a race-conscious society.” 

More than ever, self-care must be a priority. With constant stressors and triggers, a shift in perspective is necessary to ensure wellness. From the music one listens to, to the people in one’s circle, every aspect of life requires spaces where individuals feel safe, seen, and appreciated. Beyond this election, the ongoing work is about radical self-care.

Just as pregnant women are turning to ancient wellness practices, like using doulas and midwives, communities can benefit from revisiting healing techniques to reduce stress. Learning from these practices, Black women can incorporate healing modalities into daily routines. In stressful times like election season, having a treasure chest of tools to support mental health is essential.

Here are three strategies have shown to be effective in reducing stress:

1. Meditation
   Among the various forms of meditation, transcendental meditation is particularly effective during stressful times. This technique involves spending 20 minutes in silence, focusing on the breath, which provides a deep sense of calm. With regular practice, this sense of calm strengthens, offering much-needed relief from external pressures.

2. Journaling
   Journaling is another powerful tool for managing stress. The act of putting pen to paper, what some call “sacred writing,” is more than just a simple diary entry. It serves as a way to release harmful thoughts and emotions, creating space for clarity and healing. Holding onto feelings of anger, fear, or frustration can be damaging over time, but journaling allows those emotions to be processed and let go. 

3. Affirmations
   Internal dialogue can often be harsh, as people tend to be their own worst critics. Many individuals struggle with perfectionism. The feeling the need to do everything right. Affirmations serve as gentle reminders that one is safe, loved, and enough. Creating affirmations is simple: start with an “I am” statement that counters negative thoughts. For example, if someone tends to second-guess themselves, an affirmation could be, “I am intelligent, and I make great decisions.”

Black women are powerful and often celebrated for their strength and resilience, it is equally important to recognize the need for rest and self-care. Just as they use their power to uplift others, they must remove the cape and turn that care inward, taking the time to prioritize their well-being. By reaching into a treasure chest of self-care strategies, it’s possible to navigate this stressful election season with grace and peace.

As election stress builds, Self-care is not only an act of survival but a radical form of resistance. By reclaiming time and peace, Black women ensure that they will continue to show up for their families, their communities, and, yes, their right to vote, for many years to come.

Monica Wisdom is the CEO of Black Women Amplified, a women’s empowerment company helping Black women design their next chapter in life.