Surviving Election Night

November 3rd is coming… and so is the anxiety that has grappled the United States the last year. Despite the outcome of the presidential election, we [Black women] must mind our mental health. Here are my tips for surviving election night.

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Go to bed and don’t even watch the election results to ensure you are able to rest peacefully. Plan your night routine for election night: no screens after a set time, burn essential oils or candles, warm bath, melatonin (if needed), prayer and meditation, yoga or stretching and/or calming music.

If you must know the results on election night, do not watch the election results via CNN, MSNBC, or FOX news. I recommend you tune into The Washington Post’ live results on YouTube or Facebook in each swing state. There will be no pundits but just straight reporting of results.

Silence your phone and stay away from social media. Social angst will increase your level of anxiety. No need to chat with friends, family or coworkers. All that can be done the next day.

Set an appointment with your therapist, pastor, counselor, coach and/or friend to discuss your feelings regarding election results.

Request a mental health and/or sick day from work (if possible and needed).

Many individuals are concerned about the aftermath of the election. If you are feeling extremely anxious about possible riots or civil unrest, plan accordingly. Fill your gas tank, gather your toiletries and groceries for about 2 weeks, make a safety plan with your family and friends when commuting to and from home.

I, myself, will be employing Tip #1 & #6 to mind my mental health and to ease my family’s concern for my safety. Anxiety creeps in when we worry about things we have no control over. Freaking out about the election results will not change them. If you find your temperature rising, your ear burning up, heart beating fast… STOP, COUNTDOWN FROM 10 OUT LOUD & SCREAM. Don’t let that anxiety and stress rest in your body. Let it out anyway you deem helpful and remember… regardless of the outcome, you will be fine. Regardless of the outcome, you are loved. Regardless of the outcome, your feelings are valid and warrant existence.

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY VOTED, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FIND THE NEAREST POLLING LOCATION!

**What tips are you going take for Election Night? Comment below.**