College students turn to mindfulness and play to cope with election stress, raising questions about resilience in today’s youth.
At a Glance
- Young voters, comprising nearly one-fifth of the electorate, have significant potential to influence elections
- Universities are offering “Self-Care Suites” with activities like Lego play and mindfulness exercises
- Critics argue these practices may be coddling students rather than fostering genuine coping skills
- 69% of American adults report the 2024 presidential election as a significant source of stress
- Experts recommend mindfulness, civic engagement, and media consumption boundaries to manage election anxiety
The Power of Young Voters
The 26th Amendment, ratified over five decades ago, lowered the voting age to 18, granted young Americans a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future. While nearly one-fifth of the electorate consists of young voters, recent polls nevertheless suggested an enthusiasm gap among this demographic entering the 2024 elections, with fewer expected to cast votes compared to 2020.
“Fifty-three years ago, the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, granting young voters a critical voice in shaping our nation’s future,” Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs at St. John’s University Brian Browne said.
Despite their potential influence, many young voters feel disconnected from politics, with a significant percentage expressing dissatisfaction with American democracy. As election anxiety mounted, universities took unprecedented steps to help students cope. Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy introduced a “Self-Care Suite” for students to manage post-election stress. This suite offers activities such as playing with Legos, drinking hot cocoa, and participating in mindfulness exercises.
“In recognition of these stressful times, all McCourt community members are welcome to gather… in the 3rd floor Commons to take a much needed break, joining us for mindfulness activities and snacks throughout the day,” director of student engagement Jaclyn Clevenger said.
While these initiatives aim to support students, they have sparked debate about the appropriate ways to build resilience in young adults. Critics argue that such approaches may be counterproductive, potentially hindering students’ ability to develop coping mechanisms for real-world challenges.
Expert Strategies for Managing Election Anxiety
Dr. Judson Brewer, a mindfulness expert at Brown University, offers strategies for managing election-related stress and anxiety. He suggests recognizing the anxiety habit loop: identifying triggers, behaviors, and results to replace them with constructive habits. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and awareness, are recommended to help individuals stay grounded and engaged thoughtfully.
Other experts emphasize the importance of civic engagement as a form of self-care. Voting, volunteering, and participating in local political action can foster a sense of agency and reduce feelings of powerlessness. Additionally, setting boundaries on media consumption and developing positive news consumption habits are crucial for maintaining mental well-being during election seasons.
