This week: Get ready to vote

Let’s talk ballots. If you are unable to see the message below, [click here to view](. [Update your preferences](newsletter=slf) [SELF Cares]( [Self-Care Isn’t Enough—We Need Political Action]( [The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. under a beautiful lavender and pink sunset]( [If you’re tired of politics, we get it. If you’re feeling cynical after the last several years, we get that, too. You might already be burned out, and now we’re asking you to think about the midterm elections on top of it all?! But, here’s the thing: Voting can actually make a big difference in the larger systemic issues that affect our health, day to day lives, and ability to feel good. That’s why our editor in chief, Rachel Wilkerson Miller, recently wrote about the many ways in which our health and well-being are on the ballot this year. “I think most writers and editors just instinctively know when a story is theirs to write, and this one was mine,” she says. The piece, which you can read below, is comprehensive, but still so digestible and straightforward—the ideal antidote to everything else flooding your social feeds. That being said, the process of reporting this out wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Rachel: “I knew going into it how much was at stake in these midterms, but collecting everything in one place was just...a lot,” she says. “On the other hand, it was nice to have somewhere to put all of the anxiety that had been humming in the background for the past month.” Channeling your anxiety into something productive—especially something that tackles the very issue you’re anxious about—can be a great coping mechanism. In this case, it’s also effective in tackling your anxiety at the root cause: Yes, your vote can actually make a difference! “Civic engagement at the state and local level is a game-changer, and I really hope this article helps people see the ways in which their vote is connected to the things they care about most and that affect them on an everyday basis,” Rachel says. Paid sick leave, gun control, and more important issues are overwhelmingly being legislated in state houses—not at the national level—by the very people who are on the ballot in November. So don’t let anyone convince you that you don’t have power here, or that your vote won’t make a difference.]( [READ ON]( The Latest [red lungs on blue background]( [6 Flu Complications to Be Aware of If You Start Feeling Super Sick]( [When your body is occupied trying to fight one virus, it’s more susceptible to other infections.]( [READ MORE]( [various birth control methods]( [How to Actually Figure Out If Your Birth Control Is Causing Side Effects]( [Is your IUD really triggering that hellish pelvic pain?]( [READ MORE]( [jumping red viruses]( [Experts Are Anticipating Another COVID Wave This Winter—And We're Not Prepared for It]( [A steady rise in new omicron subvariants could “spell trouble,” epidemiologists say.]( [READ MORE]( [Crispy fried tofu]( [How to Cook Tofu So It Actually Gets Crispy]( [The secret isn’t frying it.]( [READ MORE]( [Crowds of runners at the marathon]( [9 Ways to Be an Amazing Spectator at the Next Big Race]( [You’ve got more in you than just clapping.]( [READ MORE]( [red water bottles represent breasts]( [6 Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer That Are Too Easy to Miss]( [Lumps aren’t the only sign you should be looking for.]( [READ MORE]( Reset and Unwind [Woman using Alo's Mindful Magnesium Bath Soak in the bath]( [Add this coconut magnesium bath soak to your next tub session]( [Alo's nourishing oil-infused soak is scented with coconut, mandarin, and blood orange to refresh your mind and soothe sore muscles.]( [BUY NOW]( Get your wallets ready. SELF Shops A weekly email of the absolute best products and editor-approved sales. [SIGN UP NOW]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [TikTok]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( Sent from Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10001 Copyright © 2022 Condé Nast.