How to Manage "Election Brain"

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We’ve all felt it lately, that restless, distracted feeling where your mind keeps drifting back to the news. Let’s call it "Election Brain." It’s a normal reaction to a big week, but we don't have to let it take over.

With Uganda's general elections just days away, the national conversation is centered on the big event. This shared focus is noticeable, and managing the weight of it all can be exhausting.

I want to be clear: I’m not a political person. This isn’t about who you should vote for or which party is better. This post is purely about our collective mental well-being during what is always a high-stakes moment for our nation.

We all know the drill. Elections sometimes feel less like a democratic process and more like waiting for a weather forecast you watch with clenched teeth, hoping for sunshine but preparing for a storm. The current atmosphere is intense, made worse by "what if" concerns like potential internet shutdowns. Even the news networks don’t help; they often exaggerate the drama and stir the pot just to keep people watching.

This uncertainty breeds anxiety. But even when things feel chaotic, focusing on unity and calm is important. Fear leads to panic, and a nation in panic invites hate.

For a nation to succeed, we have to realize that our value and purpose are greater than any one leader. While leaders work tirelessly for your votes, remember that your mental and physical health is the priority. You cannot control the national "weather," but you can control how much of the storm you let into your mind.

Here are a few tips to help you manage anxiety in the days ahead:

Manage your information take in: Constant scrolling for updates can keep your brain in a state of 'high alert.' Try to designate specific times to check the news, perhaps once in the morning and once in the evening. Outside of those times, give your mind permission to focus on your work or your family. You don't need to be 'plugged in' 24/7 to be an informed citizen.

Stay Connected (Safely): Talk to friends and family about your feelings. Sharing your anxieties with trusted people provides relief. However, if a conversation becomes heated or argumentative, it is okay to step away. You don’t have to always be right.

Plan for "Digital Silence": If you are worried about internet shutdowns, prepare for them like you would a power outage. Have a physical book ready, download some music, or movies. Having a plan for the silence makes the silence feel less scary.

Ground yourself: Anxiety lives in the future. When you feel overwhelmed, bring yourself back to the present. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you can taste.     


Elections are a season, but our nation is a lifetime. Let’s look out for one another’s minds just as much as we look out for our own safety. Stay calm, stay kind, and prioritize your well-being.

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