7 Ways to Keep Your Cool While You Wait for Election Results

Acknowledge Your Feelings Instead of Bottling Them Up

Election night can bring up all kinds of emotions—stress, fear, hope, even anger—and it’s okay to feel all of it. Instead of trying to bury those feelings, take a moment to recognize and name them. If you’re feeling nervous, tell yourself, “I’m anxious about what’s to come.” Allowing yourself to feel without judgment can actually help release the tension and keep you from bottling it up. Vent to a friend, do some journaling, or even say them out loud. Giving those emotions some air helps prevent them from building up and boiling over later on.

Make Plans for Something Fun and Positive

To balance out the tension, plan something enjoyable to look forward to—whether that’s cooking your favorite meal, watching a movie you love, or calling a friend for a good laugh. Doing something you genuinely enjoy can be a great distraction and helps bring your attention to something positive, even if just for a little while. Choose activities that keep your hands and mind busy! Engage in something fun that will help you pull away from the “refresh-refresh-refresh” urges.

Take Scheduled Breaks from Election Coverage

Constantly following the updates on election night can wear you out mentally, so give yourself a break by setting boundaries with your news intake. Decide in advance to check for updates only once an hour, or give yourself time windows to do anything else. While you’re on break, focus on activities that have nothing to do with the election. This will help prevent “news fatigue” and allow you to recharge. Also, make sure to set your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode so you don’t get distracted. When you’re giving your mind a rest, truly give it a rest. The updates, highlights, and results will be there when you check back.

Practice Mindfulness to Stay Present

When anxiety takes over, overthinking about best or worst-case scenarios is a recipe for mental health disaster. Instead, keep yourself grounded in the present and turn to mindfulness exercises when you feel that your mind is about to reel. Try a simple breathing exercise by inhaling deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and slowly exhaling through your mouth. Repeat until you feel more centered. You can also try the “5-4-3-2-1” technique: look around and name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This brings you back to the present and helps calm your mind.

Connect with Others for Support

Sometimes, waiting is easier when you don’t do it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or online communities who are also riding out the election night tension. Even a quick text or group chat can remind you that you’re not alone and that others are feeling the same uncertainty. You could even set up a virtual “watch party” or check in with friends at set times. Knowing others are sharing the experience can make it feel less isolating and give you a sense of togetherness—even if it’s from a distance.

Move Your Body to Release Tension

Election night jitters can build up as physical tension, so get moving! Even a short walk, some stretching, or a few minutes of dancing in your living room can help release the nervous energy. Movement helps lower stress hormones and can be a great way to channel all that restless energy into something good for your body.

Remind Yourself That We’re All in This Together

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed while waiting for election results but remember—you’re not the only one. Millions of people are feeling the same anticipation, hope, and worry. Whether you’re facing the unknown with family, friends, or an entire nation of strangers, we’re all in this together. Just knowing that we’re all navigating this challenging time can be a powerful comfort.

Taking care of yourself isn’t just okay—it’s necessary. Remember to take breaks, keep things light, and prioritize your well-being while you wait for the results. However the 2024 Elections unfold, we will all get through it together.