Even though the presidential election is over, post-election mental fatigue remains. In fact, Americans report that the election was one of the most stressful issues of the entire year according to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) latest poll. Over half of Americans (62%) closely followed the election via TV, Websites or Apps and Social Media online with many already feeling worn out earlier in the year.
“At UScellular, we want everyone to prioritize their mental health and connect with what matters most,” said April Taylor, area sales manager for UScellular in the Mid-Atlantic. “That’s why UScellular suggests a healthier balance with technology, to rest from constant screen time and help reset relationships for the better.”
UScellular offers these tips to help post-election mental fatigue:
Take a screen break – The average U.S. household has 21 connected devices, covering 13 device categories as of 2023. Taking a break from screens – even for just five minutes - can help reduce stress and allow space to develop closer relationships with those around you. Phones Down for 5 challenges smartphone users to put down their phones for five days, five hours or even just five minutes to take a break and have a reset moment with technology. To monitor how much time is being spent online Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Digital Wellbeing provide the ability to track usage across apps and monitor whether screen time is up or down for the week.
Manage interruptions– Smartphones settings can manage unwanted disruptions like disabling non-human push notifications, eliminating red notification bubbles for apps, enabling pre-set quiet times and putting calls and texts on mute (and sent to voicemail) while driving. Anyone can stop by a local UScellular store for free help setting up a device to limit distractions. UScellular calls this US Mode and you don’t have to be a UScellular customer to get assistance.
Set limits – Applications like Circle provide the ability to turn access to the internet or wi-fi on or off by device for an entire family at home. This can help parents manage the time kids spend online, monitor gaming and social media activity and filter content across all connected devices.
Have fun – Take part in an activity that you enjoy or plan an outing with friends, family, pets and loved ones. Journaling, taking a yoga class, cooking a favorite meal or hosting a game night are all great ways to be with others or reconnect with self.
Go outside – Spending time in nature is stress relieving. Walking the dog, sitting on the porch or playing in the backyard are all ways to get outside. Breathing in fresh air helps lessen anxiety and sunlight triggers the release of serotonin and vitamin D which boosts mood and reduces stress. People who get outside at least 120 minutes per week report being happier and healthier as well.
Volunteer – Giving back to others can change our focus from personal stress and worries to focusing on others for a new perspective. In a study on volunteering, the majority of volunteers (92%) enjoyed their experience and (77%) reported that helping others improved their mental health and wellbeing.
Learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
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