5 Ways to Avoid the Political Monster Stalking Your Front Door

It’s 2016 and besides it being the Year of the Monkey, it’s also a presidential election year in the United States. While this is an important decision that every American should be informed about, sometimes all of the ads and endless banter between opposing candidates can get old. And, really, little of that information is actually helpful because it’s all so biased.

The yelling, poor editing and dumb catchphrases is the monster of each political season. He’s mean, persistent and downright annoying. While we still advise that you get educated on the candidates and vote on Election Day, in the meantime, here are five tips on how to avoid the political monster of 2016.

1. Netflix and Chill

Turn your phone off, shut your laptop down and use your TV to stream Netflix to avoid the political monster. You can either watch something completely unrelated to politics or choose something relevant like “House of Cards.” Either binge-watch the entire series or, if you’re already caught up, season four starts on March 4. In fact, this show could actually make you thankful; thankful that no one like Frank Underwood is running.

2. Social Fixer

One of the most irritating things about an election year is your Facebook newsfeed. It’s sometimes nice to tap the ‘Like’ button when one of your good friends echoes your sentiments about a certain issue or candidate. But, it’s that acquaintance whom you’ve deemed your “friend” on Facebook that drives you nearly over the edge when you find out that they have the most obnoxious political views. Social Fixer is a plugin that allows you to sort your newsfeed based on person, keyword or author, among other parameters. No unfriending necessary and your blood pressure will thank you for it.

3. Volunteer

You don’t have to completely isolate yourself from the political season. The political monster is only a monster when it causes you stress or angers you. No need to avoid every aspect of election season. Try volunteering at the local office of the candidate you support. You’ll meet new people and hopefully help contribute to your favorite candidate’s success.

4. Play Video Games

Just like movies, video games are excellent ways to avoid the political monster. The “Civilization” games, in particular, allow you to be the ruler of your own land. Show the candidates just how easy their job is by building the most successful country on the map. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll gain a teensy bit of sympathy about what the future President has to deal with.

5. Take a Trip

If you can afford it, take a trip somewhere tropical or overseas; somewhere far enough where those annoying radio ads won’t sneak up on you. Even if you decide to take a trip somewhere in the US, at least you’ll only have to hear radio ads of random candidates you don’t care about and names you don’t recognize printed on yard signs throughout the small towns you pass through. Either way, you’re avoiding that dreadful monster.

 


How do you avoid the political monster?


 

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Kirstin Wright
Kirstin Wright
Kirstin is an IT worker by day and a freelance writer by night. When not behind a computer screen, she can be found exploring one of central Florida's famous theme parks or embarking on a new adventure. You can read about her adventures at Fun Orlando Ideas!