It’s over. Election 2022 here in Michigan is over, the results are in.
There is no more guessing, negative ads, quick interviews, us vs. them mentality, screaming social media posts or debates.
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Is anyone else taking a deep breath today?
I threw on my sneakers this morning, headed into the sunshine of my neighborhood and started to walk. It’s the way I de-stress in my life, the fresh air and movement bring order to my mind.
Now, I’ve covered politics for a long time here in Michigan. So, I’m used to the frenzy in an election year -- the flow of changing information, the election night numbers coming in. (Thanks for watching us for 3 hours on Local 4+ Tuesday night.) As reporters, we’re familiar with the fight-or-flight adrenaline of deadline.
But today as I walked, I realized how much I needed to be grounded outside and my mind needed a break. My shoulders needed to relax. Maybe I’m one of the millions of people doctors believe have Election Stress Disorder.
What?! Yep, it’s a thing.
The American Psychological Association surveyed adults and about 66% of them said politics was the source of their stress. And 76% were stressed and worried about the future of our nation.
I’m stressed reading this!
Experts say it causes stress no matter what political affiliation you have. Something Republicans and Democrats apparently can agree on.
We live in a politically charged environment and we know that isn’t changing any time soon. But the election is over, voters made their decisions. We can take a deep breath and celebrate that the process worked. There weren’t problems tabulating votes, there wasn’t violence at the polls.
It’s now up to those elected to serve their constituents. All of them -- even the ones that didn’t vote for them.
So, today, I let go of the noise and stress that surrounded the election this year and walked briskly with Tate (my small dog, who thinks he’s a big dog) and took some big deep breaths. I listened to some music in the sunshine and looked at all the leaves I still have to rake.
I just looked, did not rake. I’m not that relaxed yet!
Full list: Michigan general election results for Nov. 8, 2022