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Welp, the day has finally come. We’ve officially entered a second term for President Donald J. Trump. The next four years promise to be a time of intense political changes that can have an intense impact on our health and emotional wellbeing.

Political fatigue is a real thing and results in real and dangerous stress signs. According to the University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center, politically induced stress can result in dramatic changes in weight, high blood pressure, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and increased dependency on substances like drugs and alcohol.  

You can protect your health by protecting your peace during Trump’s second term and beyond by implementing a few practices that can keep your mind at ease. 

Limit Your News Intake

While it’s important to stay informed, studies show that consuming too much news media can negatively impact both your mental and physical health. If the 24/7 news cycle is leaving you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you’re allowed to tune out every once in a while. Put down the phone or install apps or timers that limit your phone usage and nip doomscrolling in the bud. 

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Practice Intentional Leisure

Basically, prioritize your rest and relaxation by making time to do something fun and as unrelated to the political climate as possible. Engage in your hobbies, connect with your community, eat good food, touch some grass. 

Do Your Research

When you do decide to reconnect to the goings on in D.C., do so with caution and wisdom. Misinformation at an all time high and such fake news is designed to heighten anxieties and cause undue stress. Be sure you’re consuming news from unbiased, credible sources to cut back on the chance of reading, watching, or seeing something that will confuse you, upset you, or disrupt your peace.

Share Opinions Wisely

Never assume everyone around you shares your political opinions, even your family and friends. Starting political discussions could result in tense, awkward moments in conversation. Also, people in your life may also be trying to protect their political peace. Be conscious of engaging in too much political talk that could burn out everyone, including you.

RELATED: Donald Trump Is Going to Be President Again, and Honestly, I’m Not Surprised

Keep An Open Heart

Americans aren’t as divided as things may seem. In fact, while politicians may struggle to reach across the aisle, a study from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace shows that most Americans are flexible on their political stances and open to hearing opposing views. Over the next four years, we can expected to encounter differences in opinions but that doesn’t mean all interactions will be negative. Stay kind, keep an open mind and don’t let who sits in the Oval Office change your heart. 

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