How to Stop an Addiction to Politics

To say we are living in a tense political climate would likely be an understatement. It can be good to stay informed on what is happening in the political world. After all, it impacts your day-to-day life and can potentially change the future of our country.

But, because politics can be such a hot-button topic and we live in a world where information is at our fingertips 24/7, it is easier than most people realize to become addicted.

A political addiction does more than just eat up your time. It can trigger mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, cause problems with relationships, and affect other areas of your life that require attention.

If you are worried that you might be struggling with an addiction to politics, it is never too early or too late to stop. Let’s cover a few tips you can put into action now.

Stop Believing Sweeping Generalizations

No matter on which side of the political aisle you stand, you have undoubtedly heard stereotypes about the other side. It is important to take those ideas with a grain of salt. Believing everything you hear about a specific political party can be dangerous, and it will end up dividing us greatly as a country.

Some of your friends and neighbors are in opposing parties. View them for what their character tells you about them, and not for whom they vote at the polls. Letting go of sweeping generalizations will make it easier to focus on quality relationships, which are necessary when it comes to combating anxiety and addiction.

Limit Media Exposure

Again, we live in a tech-forward world. Whether you watch the news on TV, online, or cannot seem to escape the constant flow of social media, political information is everywhere.

While you should not hide under a rock and ignore what is going on in the political sphere, information overload can quickly become addictive. Again, this can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues.

If you are having a hard time stepping away from political media, consider a digital detox. Or, allow yourself a specific amount of time each day for media consumption before turning it off.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is always important, but when you struggle with addiction, it can help you focus your energy elsewhere and allow you to take ownership of your well-being.

Consider things like taking on a new hobby or interest, getting enough sleep, staying physically active, or practicing mindfulness. These things will help you to set boundaries in your life while keeping you grounded in the present. You will have an easier time putting politics on the back burner when you prioritize self-care.

Stay Social

Addiction can keep you isolated. Unfortunately, that isolation makes it easier to keep your addiction fueled. One of the best things you can do is to be around people who are willing to engage in different topics of conversation. Spend time with people who might have different perspectives or different backgrounds.

Most importantly, choose to stay social with those who will build up and boost other areas of your life. It is okay to talk politics sometimes, but if you spend all of your time with people who only want to talk about the political environment, it is not going to ease your addiction.

If you find that you are having a hard time stopping an addiction to politics on your own, consider reaching out for professional help. we can work together to help you better understand where the addiction stems from and why it has become so difficult to let it go. we can also help you work on practical strategies to overcome it, so you can take control of your life again without letting a political addiction define you.