It comes every four years (sort of) . It drags on forever. It can turn brother against brother, and friend against friend. Hopefully not forever, but the political can sometimes get incredibly personal, this can cause friction sometimes. The ads feel never ending. The coverage is never ending. If you're like me the suspense is rather stressful. So Here are a few tips on how to stay sane during decision 2016. Abby now, more than ever we feel your pain.
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1. Know When to Unfollow/Unfriend.
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If they can't respect your political opinions, feel free to unfriend them. But remember, 140 characters often isn't enough to summarize a person's entire life, character, and ideological views. Sometimes there's more to a person than a single post. Some topics are best not debated in 50 comment Facebook arguments. So also know when to talk to your friends in person about differing beliefs.
2. Know when to unplug.
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Remember the good old days when your weren't old enough to vote? Your parents dealt with all the annoying campaign phone calls. The ads are everywhere. It can feel like politicians are stalking you. This makes me and others I'm sure feel a little crazy. When/if that happens turn the computer off. Turn the tv off. Go for a run. Go the woods. Go for a swim. Take a break, it'll keep you sane. Rediscover that magical thing called reading.
3. Know when to agree to disagree.
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Different form you does not always mean pure evil. Sometimes people you love, respect, and admire believe strongly in things you don't. As I said before, the political can be very personal for some people, try to respect that. Elections can bring out the worst in people, or reveal the worst that was hiding all along, so cut ties if that's absolutely necessary, but make that your last option. Differing political beliefs don't have to be a deal breaker. Sometimes it's best to maybe try not to talk about the election until November's over with certain people.
4. Know where or how to vote.
I know many of the issues are complicated and easy to feel disillusioned, but by not voting you disempower yourself. As easy as it is to have you own opinions parroted back to you, try to find a neutral source of information. Additionally in all the screaming it can be hard make up your mind about things. Vote for someone, seriously.
(video:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7SMwipBlDwBPEwxq...)
I've found these to be very helpful:
https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
 http://www.cnet.com/how-to/best-political-sites-li...
,https://wakethevote.wordpress.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers.
5. Know when to Netflix.
(video: https://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers)
Personally during this tension filled political climate watching a few episodes of "Parks and Recreation" is often just what I need. It's important to be informed, it's also important not to be overloaded with political ads every moment of every day. Also as Hank Green points out "Parks and Recreation" can remind us all that you can vehemently disagree with people while loving them dearly.
6. Know when to laugh.
(video: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheEllenShow)
It's been said that laughter is medicine. Boy does this election require a lot of medicine. At this point it's laugh or cry that or cry. Or waste hours upon hours watching adorable gifsets of baby animals. When you're feeling, annoyed, overwhelmed, and are picturing yourself moving to Canada, do something that brings you joy. I find this helpful. When in doubt be like Ellen.
