Chill Chat
The political strategist plans to leave it all on the field.
I thrive off of it.
Tarlov will spend the next 48 hours cramming as much information into her head as possible.
The election is like the Super Bowl, she says.
Im not trying to decompress or deal with that stress right now.
The day after, Ill give it a shot.
TheNew York Timeshomepage today had the headline How Americans Feel About The Election: Anxious and Scared.
Whats your reaction to that?
It obviously has big implications for society, but you cant let it rule your life.
Thats something that conservatives do a better job of than liberals: managing that doom-and-gloom feeling about electoral outcomes.
Im not trying to be callous about it.
People are losing sleep.
People are coming up with election night plans to be with their friends.
It feels like everyones bracing for impact.
Do you have any practices or routines that help you manage the stress of it?
I find that hydration is really the key to everything for me.
My body is so much better behaved if Im fully hydrated, and my mind by extension.
I also zone out a ton, watch terrible television.
Theres the normal, bad fare, likeLove is Blind, and then theres my addiction toTell Me Lies.
There is content out there to uplift us.
Is there anything you do before bed that helps you fall asleep?
This is bad advice, but I catch up on emails and texts.
I also always say to my husband, Are we happy?
And he always tells me yes, which I appreciate.
And we are, but its this fantastic gut check.
Life is tough and complicated, especially with little kids.
Tell me more about waking up in the middle of the night from stress.
My mind races a ton.
Im probably up an hour every night.
I try not to touch my phone, though.
Thats one of the point-of-no-return things.
Since you try not to doom scroll, whats your approach to using your phone?
Oh, I use it constantly.
Im sure a therapist would tell me I need to detach [from it].
I did go for a massage, though, a few days ago.
What other wellness rituals do you turn to, in addition to massages?
I love spa and spa-adjacent stuff.
And then spending time with my kids.
Do you have a specific evening routine?
In terms of a bedtime routine, my kids is more important than mine.
I always say Im going to read, but I always end up just watchingTell Me Lies.
And for mornings, are you a coffee person?
No,Diet Coke is my stimulant of choiceby leaps and bounds.
I want to do the Diet Coke TikTok challenge.
Do you think youd get them all right?
I could definitely [differentiate between] cans, plastic bottles, and anything flavored.
On the fountain front, I could definitely tell McDonalds.
Some folks can do Arbys versus Wendys, but I cant do that.
Do you have a workout routine?
Im a big walker.
I actually wrote a piece for Romperabout crying through SoulCycleafter I had my first baby.
And one last question: Is there anything youre keeping in mind as we head into Nov. 5?
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
