So the election is over. Campaigners who've worked all hours to get their candidate elected will be coming to terms with the emotional effects of the post-election come down.
Firstly, campaigners feel relieved. Finally its over, the results are in and there is nothing more that can be done. Heaven knows we might be able to have a few days rest from the 16 hour day slog of the campaign. Our eyes can rest from looking at the computer inputting data, designing leaflets and drafting direct mails.
Secondly, campaigners reflect. We review what we could have done better. For instance, should we have done more door knocking than telephone canvassing? Could we have got out one last leaflet?
There's the physical effects too. I recommend that after a long sleep, campaigners should take a good look in a mirror. For key campaign organisers the reflection that stares back can be very different from the one they faced at the beginning of the campaign.
The dark circles under the eyes aren’t just visible, they're screaming "Panda!" at me. And then you look down and sigh. Not only have your eyes assumeda dusky, Skeletor aspect, your waistline has expanded. And in my case it was by a massive amount.
During the campaign when a key campaigner is trying to do 26 things at once, you only have the time to do one of two things when it comes to food. The first is forget to eat entirely, losing a massive amount of weight during the campaign in the process. The second, and the path I went down, is to gorge oneself on whatever happens to be convenient and readily available. Salads are out, bacon sarnies are in. And while the weeks past have seen Labour’s vote share fall, for many of us our waistlines have held their ground. And increased their margins.
For any aspiring activists who might be reading this, take heed. Make sure it’s your party that gains, not your weight.
In the meantime, I can take solace in my new exercise bike. Viva la Slim Fast!
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