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

woman with calm smile lying on bed and looking at laptop

Election night can take quite a toll on you if you plan to stay up and keep an eye on things. Waiting for results is nerve-wracking, but staying glued to your screen, refreshing social media every 10 seconds, and biting your nails won’t make anything move faster. Not to mention it will make you feel awful. Taking care of your mental and physical health is key, so here are 7 ways to keep your cool as you ride out election night:



Acknowledge Your Feelings Instead of Bottling Them Up

woman sitting on red couch and behind a sign reading feelingsPhoto by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

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

two women laughing while walking on the streetPhoto by Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash

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

a person holding a smart phone set to silence mode in their handPhoto by @felipepelaquim on Unsplash

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

woman in black shirt and gray pants sitting on brown wooden floorPhoto by Katerina May on Unsplash

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

back shot of two women walking together outdoorsPhoto by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash

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

woman casually dancing in front of yellow wallPhoto by Juan Camilo Navia on Unsplash

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

hands piled up togetherPhoto by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

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.

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The Latino Donor Collaborative launched the LDC Latina Initiative in New York City on November 19th, 2024. The history-making initiative aims to empower Latinas through cutting-edge reports, impactful events, and transformative programs. It also serves to uplift Latina voices and pave the way for a new era of leadership and innovation. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as recent economic data highlights the immense and growing impact of Latinas on the U.S. economy and culture.


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