Happy Election Day! We know Minnesota is number one in voter turnout and secure elections, and this year, we also know that we’re going to have to wait a bit longer than normal for all the ballots to be counted. Instead of stressing and waiting for the numbers to come in, we’ve put together a list of some of the ways you can destress while the whole state eagerly waits for the official results. 

Watch a new movie

So many great movies have come out in 2020, and I’m sure there’s that one (or two) you’ve been putting off watching. Take this time now to put your phone on silent, make a bowl of popcorn, and tune out of the world–and into a good movie. 

Write down your thoughts

Called a ‘Stream of Consciousness’, write everything that comes to mind, no structure, no rules, whatever you want. It’ll help you put into writing the emotions you’re feeling about the waiting.

Try laughing 

Maybe you call your funniest friend, find your favorite meme, or watch a comedy movie. But working on laughing will help release those valuable endorphins and elevate the mood. 

Do your favorite exercises 

In any way that you’re physically able to, try working up sweat.  We know working out releases endorphins, so you’ll feel better, plus it’s an easy way to kill time!

Connect with nature

Maybe try walking your dog, or going out in the crisp air and bringing a notebook to write down observations. You could even try pulling up a livestream of a beach if the weather outside is too Minnesotan.

Meditate

Being alone with your thoughts can feel stressful if you’re trying to kill time, but try mediating after other activities, which may help put you in a relaxed state and organize exactly how you’re feeling. You can incorporate breathing exercises or visualization exercises too. 

Try a new creative outlet 

Now is the perfect time to try out a new hobby. Things like painting or knitting are the perfect way to relax, and at the end you have a finished product. Plus, if you’re not happy with the end result at the end, you can just call it abstract. 

We know how tense things feel right now. Waiting for results is a notoriously stressful experience for everyone. But we also know how valuable it is to take even five minutes to work on relaxing and being in the moment. So take some time to watch a movie or call your friends.  We’re all in this together.