There's been nothing exactly “zen” about 2020. Add in a presidential election and the pot is right about to boil over. Since we all deal with stress differently, we've come up with 12 calming mantras catered toward each zodiac sign's need to help you deal with all that election-related stress one breath at a time.
The Calming Mantra to Help Each Zodiac Sign Through Election Season
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Your mantra: Movement is medicine
Aries is a kinesthetic sign—being on-the-go just feels right to rams. So when stress hits the fan, it's highly cathartic for an Aries to channel that negative energy into a long walk, run or impromptu living room dance sesh.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Your mantra: Pencil me in
There's nothing a Taurus craves more than a schedule (OK, fine, a hot bath). So when the world gets chaotic, stick to your planner, bullet journal, Google Cal or whatever is keeping your life in order. Ya know what? Pencil in some bath time too.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Your mantra: Phone bank
There is nothing that stresses out a Gemini more than people who have no opinions, and come Election Day, people should have opinions! Channel that civic frustration into the thing you're best at, talking, and sign up to phone bank for a candidate you're passionate about.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Your mantra: Tomorrow is a new day
Cancers are stressed out by...everything. They're also deeply nostalgic and have an appreciation for history, which means that election season can swirl up a tornado of emotions. But crabs, just remember, the future hasn't been written yet.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Your mantra: Your vote matters
Nothing riles a lion into a stressed-out frenzy quite like the possibility of being irrelevant. Yes, it can feel like your vote doesn't matter, but it does. So remind yourself of that. And while you're at it, remind others too!
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Your mantra: Check check check
A Virgo is easily dismantled by fear of the unknown. It's why they crave plans. Well, guess what? Planning before an election is actually a superb idea! Check to make sure you're registered to vote. Check to see if you qualify for early or absentee voting. Check to see where, when and how you will be voting and mark in your schedule. And check to make sure your vote will be counted by avoiding these mistakes.
Libra (September 23 – October 21)
Your mantra: Research
Making-on-the-spot decisions stresses a Libra out like no other. The solution? Do some digging! Head to Ballotready.org and input your zip code to find who exactly will be on your ballot and what they stand for. Jot down notes, take screenshots or print out your results to have on hand when you vote!
Scorpio (October 22 – November 21)
Your mantra: Nobody's perfect
So, the candidates aren't exactly who you wanted. For a Scorpio, voting for a person who doesn't deliver on all the counts that are important to them could feel like betrayal, since gaining a Scorpio's trust is no small feat. Remind yourself that no matter who was on the ballot, it wouldn't fit your high ideals because no one is perfect.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Your mantra: Find a sounding board
Sagittariuses need to talk things out. So, the best de-stressor for chatty centaurs is some talk therapy—either with a real therapist or a close friend who's a good listener. Find yourself a sounding board to bounce all of your ideas off of and see what anxieties really stick and what you can let go of.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Your mantra: One big job
The goat of the zodiac revels in completing tasks to earn that esteemed “job well done.” So when stress from the election season winds up and gets you down, think of it like you would a task at your job—one with goals and deadlines.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Your mantra: It's all a game
Politics can be an Aquarius’ Achilles’ heel. With their worldview and beliefs so essential to their core, imagining different outcomes of the election can make this air sign lose their damn mind. But something Aquariuses love? Games! A little mental exercise goes a long way for the heady Aquarius. Think of the upcoming election as one big game, and how you fit into it, to calm your mind.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Your mantra: I will not take on other people's stress
As empaths of the zodiac, Pisces are hypersensitive, which makes them vulnerable to the feelings of others. As emotions surge past Pisces from every direction, this fishy needs to remind themselves that for election season, they already have enough emotion to go around.