11 ways to distract yourself from crushing Election Day anxiety

Is it just me or is Nov. 3 approaching at a gruelingly slow, snail-like pace?

If you've got politics on the brain and also feel like two anvils are sitting on your shoulders at all times, then you — like so many others — are likely dealing with Election Day anxiety.

Feeling anxious, fearful, and generally unsettled before one of the most important elections in U.S. history is completely understandable. There's so much at stake this election, but agonizing over possible outcomes ahead of time doesn't feel great and isn't very productive.

If you're looking for some emotional relief in the weeks leading up to Nov. 3, here are 11 suggestions that can hopefully help distract you from soul-crushing Election Day anxiety.

1. Vote early or finalize your voting plan

If the anticipation of casting your ballot is adding to your Election Day stress, try to vote early if your state allows it. While it might be too late to take the mail-in ballot route, several states offer early in-person voting. You can check to see if your state has polls open early here, and if it doesn't, make sure you craft a plan to vote on Election Day.

Making a plan can help you avoid voter suppression, which is why researching where you'll vote, learning state-specific rules, and prepping everything you need to bring with you to the polls is key. Once you make a voting plan you'll be able to breathe a little sigh of relief knowing that when Nov. 3 arrives you'll be ready to go.

2. Completely immerse yourself in entertainment

One way to help distract yourself from your own chaotic reality is to seek out alternate realities. Immerse yourself in TV and movies. Use this time to watch some genuinely bad Hallmark films, see what all the Emily in Paris discourse is about, and have a movie marathon with the Oceansfilms or something. It's OK to consume a borderline unhealthy amount of pleasure TV over the next two weeks. I hereby give you permission. Our brains deserve a break, and if your eyes need a rest from staring at screens you can always turn to books or podcasts for relief. Just steer clear of entertainment related to politics and you'll be golden.

3. Get outside and exercise

Staying indoors for too long is easy to do — especially if you're working from home or having a TV marathon — so it's important to make time to get outside, soak up some sun, and breathe some fresh air. Stretch. Go on scenic walks. Exercise outdoors. Leaving your house is a great way to break up the day, and the sheer beauty of nature will help distract you from your worries for a while.

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4. Cook or bake something delicious

Another great way to occupy your mind is to try out a new recipe. Cook an ambitious meal, bake a seasonal dessert, or sharpen your bartending skills by mixing a fun drink.Not only is the act of making your own food or drinks gratifying, but once you're done you'll have a delicious treat to enjoy.

5. Manage your social media usage

Social media is even more hellish than usual before an election, so it's worth trying to cut down on doomscrolling with these helpful tips. We know it's hard to unplug, but trust us — it feels so good.

6. Take this time to organize or clean

Sweet, sweet organization. Credit: Shutterstock / Kostikova Natalia

Setting out to clean, organize, or complete ambitious home projects can be a perfect distraction in stressful times like these. If you're looking for something other than politics to focus on over the next two weeks, consider channeling your inner Marie Kondo or The Home Edit by tackling a mess in your living space.

Clean your closet, re-organize your spice rack, or go through the ridiculous amount of products in your bathroom. We're all just searching for some control in this unpredictable year, so if cleaning your closet can make you feel even the smallest bit in control, I say go for it.

7. Try that one thing you've been meaning to

You know, thatthing you keep saying you're going to get around to but never seem to find the time for? Maybe you've been meaning to learn how to play an instrument, take an online course, or embark on a challenging paint-by-numbers activity. Whatever it is that you've been putting off, now's the perfect time to dive in and give it some serious focus.

8. Browse Mashable's old "Hard Refresh" column

Over the years, Mashable's Culture team has identified some of the most calming places on the internet in our old weekly column called "Hard Refresh." From delightful ASMR trends to relaxing YouTube videos and more, you're sure to find your fill of soothing SFW porn right here on-site.

9. Catch up with friends and family

Spend some time over the next two weeks checking in with the people in your life. Shoot them a text, make some calls, schedule a video chat, or meet up for a safe and socially distanced hang. There's always a chance that conversations with friends or family members will veer into political territory, but it can be comforting to talk your anxieties through with people you love. Support one another, make each other laugh, and plan to spend some quality in-person time together when it's safe again.

10. Seek out professional mental health resources

A look at the Election Day resources offered by Shine. Credit: mashable composite: shine

This list is mostly filled with lighthearted, chill ways to de-stress ahead of Election Day, but it's crucial to prioritize your mental health. If you feel you need to talk to a professional or seek out expert advice, definitely take that step. If you're searching for the right therapy app, check out these seven suggestions. And if one-on-one therapy isn't your style, consider downloading a self-care app like Shine, which offers a variety of mental health resources and in-app meditations specifically related to Election Day anxiety. Shine even created a quiz that can help determine users how to better care for themselves in the days leading up to the election.

11. Plan some serious Election Day self-care

Speaking of self-care,make Election Day as calming and enjoyable for yourself as possible. After you've cast your ballot, sit back, attempt to unwind, and be extremely kind to yourself. Order your favorite food, do a face mask, and if you have the day off from work consider taking a snooze. Spend the day engaging in relaxing, restorative activities you love so that when the results come in you'll feel as refreshed and ready to deal with them as possible.

It's undoubtedly a tense, frustrating, exhausting time for everyone, but we're going through these tough times together. Just remember: Like Fleabag's feelings for the Hot Priest, Election Day anxiety willpass.