Arrrrghhhh! I think the pressure is getting to me!

[benburch]

Folks,

This is almost more than I can stand. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop, and not even sure if there *is* another shoe. I cannot think clearly, I cannot relax, my stomach is a billion upset butterflies, and I am truly afraid for my nation.

Has anybody else found a way to cope with this?

[MercutioATC]

1. Me too. I now yell back at Bush ads on my car radio...

...I'm REALLY looking forward to 11/3.

[BigMcLargehuge]

2. Hang on Ben, don't give up...

Here's what I do when things start to get to me, and it's been worse lately -

Step 1: Go away and do something to take your mind off things. I do extra pushups at Hapkido, or go rake leaves, or play with my Son. Those all help divert my attention for a while. If that fails proceed to -

Step 2: Do something cathartic. I like Godzilla movies, watching all the wanton destruction helps me put things into perspective. Plus I like to think that the Big G is stomping around in DC. If that fails proceed to -

Step 3: Nap to music, I like to listen to Radiohead when I sleep. If that fails go to -

Step 4: Keep a journal and put all your anxieties down on paper (or in a word file) and remind yourself that once captured in text, the aren't allowed to bug you anymore.

So far I haven't had to go past step 3.

[alittlelark]

3. deep breathing from the diaphram,

focusing on the FACT that JFK will win, volunteering (flying to NM Friday), 'Tension Tamer' tea during the day (no more coffee - it makes me tense and paranoid), a few glasses of red at night....

oh, and liberal doses of The Daily Show,Bill Maher, and I've watched the Eminem vid probably 10 times.

I MUST stay focused. The BFEE wants us tense and unorganized.

Anyway, that's how I'm coping, I hope some of it helps.

Good Luck, and keep your eyes on the prize!

[Phillycat]

4. Don't worry, the Sox have it in the bag.

:)

[skygazer]

5. Beat me to it.

I think we're following each other around today. Every time I post, you're either ahead of me or after me. :hi:

[Phillycat]

6. Ha ha!

Great minds...

[HereSince1628]

7. Ethanol, the intoxicating spirit of America though I suggest

A good Wisconsin Beer, you could pick a poison of your own choosing.

If you get drunk enough, you will not be able to stand up. That will keep you from doing some of the things that you might try in a state of mind induced by an awareness of what is happening to the nation.

It ain't pretty, but drunk and passed out on the couch is better than road rage and assault charges brought on by B/C bumper stickers.

JUST KIDDING...WELL SORT OF...

My advice is stay busy, I have made and distributed about 4 doz. cds with the song "takin my county back." Giving them away is a good way to meet the faces behind the "Kerry-Edwards" yard signs.

[benburch]

9. Hard to "stay busy" when you cannot stop coughing.

I have bronchitis bad this year. Ordinarily I'd be out canvassing or phone banking or something, but I simply feel like crap and my diaphragm hurts from all the coughing...

I keep wishing for W to simply implode so totally that the election is no longer in doubt. He's come close, but we're not there yet.

[mongo]

8. PEAD

Pre-election anxiety disorder

In Ohio, you can't turn on the TV without being bombarded by campaign ads. And yes, I am sick of it. I am trying to save a little energy for election day, and a possible fiasco afterwards. And fighting an infected tooth (again).

6 of those bad boys will be pulled on 11/10 - and I'm not nearly as freaked out about that as the election.

[WilliamPitt]

10. My coping mechanism

[benburch]

12. Sadly, I come from a family of alcoholics...

It would not be a safe habit for me to indulge in... :-)

[qnr]

11. Well, I've been at it for years.... funny thing is,

I won't be involved at all come election day, since I'll be in the middle of a 3-day bus trip :shrug: