— Carwyn Candila (@Carwyn_Candila) May 5, 2022
The fact that millions regard the elections as so important that they are anxious shows that the people are agitated.
We now hold the task of raising this agitation towards a consolidated people's front!
election anxiety is getting a little too real.
— tala (@crystaladiwa) May 3, 2022
i literally have not opened any asynch lectures... and i cant even focus on doing my deadlines cause all of this election anxiety😭 cant help but think what the hell is going to happen after this
— ً (@saemleee) May 4, 2022
It was first observed in the United States by psychologist Steven Stosny. Stosny coined the term “election stress disorder” or as what most people in social media call, “election anxiety” which refers to the anxiety and tension that individuals feel during and after elections.
All the noise and election-related posts exposure can be draining and overwhelming. Also, thinking about it all the time can be counterproductive and exhausting. We all have different ways to cope with it. However, to shift your focus for a while, here’s a playlist to help you calm and relieve election anxiety:
Liwanag sa Dilim by Rivermaya with Yeng Constantino
This song was originally sung by Rivermaya and was first released in 2005. During the campaign period in 2022, Yeng Constantino collaborated with Rivermaya and released a new version of the song with hashtag #LeniwanagSaDilim. Liwanag sa Dilim will allow you to feel that the power is in your hands and that you are an instrument of light to the world once you stand up for what you believe in.
“Isigaw mo sa hangin, tumindig at magsilbing liwanag, liwanag sa dilim Harapin mong magiting ang bagong awitin Ikaw ang liwanag sa dilim”
Only the Young by Taylor Swift
This masterpiece was released in 2020 which is inspired by what she feels about the 2018 midterm elections in the US and how upsetting it was for her to watch young people’s preferred candidate fail which she found “particularly tragic”. Only the Young screams youth empowerment. It allows young people to feel hopeful and confident that they can run the world and that they can make a big difference in the system.
“They aren't gonna change this We gotta do it ourselves They think that it's over But it's just begun”
Awit ng Kabataan by Rivermaya
-It was released in 1994 by Filipino Rock Band, Rivermaya. It is one of the classics when it comes to empowering the youth and reminding them of their strength. It also allows the youth to conquer their season.
“Ang awit ng kabataan, ang awit ng panahon, hanggang sa kinabukasan. Awitin natin ngayon”
Kaleidoscope World by Francis Magalona
-This OPM classic was written by the late Francis Magalona in 1995. It is a song about diversity and that we are all the same in the sense that we are all different. It makes us feel that regardless of our differences, we are all human beings capable of love, kindness, and compassion.
“Every color and every hue Is represented by me and you Take a slide in the slope Take a look in the kaleidoscope Spinnin' round, make it twirl In this kaleidoscope world”
Dapat Tama by Gloc 9 ft. Denise Barbacena
It is a popular song during elections since its first release in 2013. It is a reminder that voters need to be wise in choosing a leader who will lead the country for the next few years and that a shade and a thumb mark after voting may transform the entire country into its greatest or worst version.
“Dahil sa dulo bawal ang kakamot-kamot Sa katanungang harap-harapang iaabot Sinong pinili? 'Pag ang tinta ay humalik sa daliring Siyang ginamit at nagturo na wala ay maibalik Dapat tama”
Chained to the Rhythm by Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley
This song by Katy Perry was released in 2017. It feels like a party song because of its pop vibe, but its lyrics are more than that. It's about those who live in "bubbles" away from difficulties or sadness and who refuse to look outside of these "bubbles" to recognize real-world problems that need to be handled.
"So comfortable, we're livin' in a bubble, a bubble So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, the trouble Aren't you lonely up there in Utopia? Where nothing will ever be enough Happily numb"
Gabay by KZ Tandingan
It is Disney’s first Filipino song from the Disney movie “Raya and the Last Dragon”. This song reminds us that if we only learn to trust one another, join together, and unify, we can change the world. It is a song about unity, strength, and trust.
“May lakas na galing sa tubig at sa puso mo'y mahika Bibigyang dangal ang pamana pag liwanag ang 'yong dala Magka-isa nang tumibay at di mahihiwalay Tatatag wag lamang matakot”
Just Like Fire by P!NK
This song was released in 2016 by Pink. It is a song that talks about the singer's willingness to follow her own aspirations and be herself without being influenced by "clowns and liars".
“Just like fire, burning up the way If I can light the world up for just one day Watch this madness, colorful charade”
We Remain by Christina Aguillera
This was released in 2013 by the American singer-songwriter Christina Aguillera. Once you listen to this song, you will feel empowered and suddenly invincible which can help you go through the day.
“Yes I'm a sinner Yes I'm a saint Whatever happens here Whatever happens here We remain”
The upcoming election and its result can really be concerning as it determines our future for the next 6 years. Uncertainty can really be stressful and worrisome but let us all be hopeful of our country’s future by voting safely and wisely this May 9.
