Elections in Nigeria are usually fraught with stressors and this last one was no exception. From visual harassment with election posters, tumultuous primaries, INEC’s postponement of the Presidential election, the late announcement of results, the violence and general mayhem, there is no gainsaying that this period has been tasking. Most people were waiting with bated breath… waiting to exhale and relax.
For the average Nigerian the importance of these elections cannot be over- emphasized. Most of us felt that we were at the crossroads as a nation waiting to be made or to be broken. Realizing it or not, most people’s adrenaline and cortisol level( the stress hormones that enable us to fight or flee) must have been elevated during this period as we all have a stake in the polity Nigeria.
It was intriguing watching people waiting out in the open for over 6 hours just to cast their votes. No area was left out , even the high-brow parts of the metropolis saw the elite with chairs and sun-hats waiting to cast their votes. Doubtlessly, the events of these past few weeks have definitely taken their toll on every Nigerian desperate for a system that works.
To reduce the stress level in the aftermath of these elections, the following are 3 recommended steps:
1.Identify your peculiar stressors: When you can pin-point what has agitated you during this period ( e.g. poor representation in your community, online hate speech, biased media coverage or repetitive jingles) endeavor to avoid them. Acknowledging what stresses you helps you to cut it off or at best reduce contact with its source
2. Learn diaphragmatic breathing: Breathing as deeply as possible (without raising your shoulders) and gently letting out your breath can literally calm your nerves while keeping you in the moment. Whether it is at the polling booth or awaiting results or receiving unpleasant election results, this is one practice that would keep you calm, stable and stress-free.
3. Sleep tight: When you get deep and restful sleep, your approach to stressful situations becomes more rational. Getting quality ‘zzzz’ this period will help to calm your mind, combat edginess and ensure that your brain is both alert and healthy.
Above all, no matter what your expectations were, this is not the end of the story. Don’t forget that the next election is ONLY 4 years away perhaps things may even turn out better before then…so don’t sweat it, you never really know!
Remember…… THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE!