Taking a Mental Health Day Following Election Day: A Guide


With **Election Day** now in the rearview mirror, you may catch yourself endlessly browsing through **social media**—either applauding Donald Trump’s success or lamenting Kamala Harris’s loss. Whichever side you fall on, it could be an opportune moment to contemplate a well-deserved respite from the turmoil of the 2024 election.

Whether you refer to it as a **mental health day**, a **social media cleanse**, or merely **connecting with nature**, there’s little to be gained from obsessively tracking election updates, as noted by Dr. Richard E. Cytowic, author of *Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload*.

**SEE ALSO:** [Jon Stewart shares a powerful post-election night message](https://mashable.com/video/jon-stewart-election-night-messgae)

“Regardless of your level of concern, the vote tally will be what it is,” Cytowic mentioned to Mashable prior to Election Day.

Many have spent the last few weeks—or even months—feeling anxious and stressed regarding the election. This is no ordinary stress. A recent **American Psychological Association** survey reveals that nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults are apprehensive that the election results could incite violence, and over half worry it could signal the downfall of democracy in America. With such significant implications, it’s no surprise many are grappling with the uncertainty surrounding the future of the presidency.

Nonetheless, Cytowic underscores the necessity of an “off-ramp” from this anxiety. While new issues may surface now that the election results are known, taking a breather can provide a much-needed escape before new concerns emerge.

To help alleviate post-election tension, Cytowic, a clinical professor of neurology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, recommends the following strategies:

### 1. **Embrace What You Can’t Control**
If you voted, regard this as the conclusion of your election journey. You’ve done your part to sway the outcome, Cytowic suggests. While activism and organizing may be in your future, much of that hinges on direct engagement—not obsessively checking social media. Plus, you’ll need to be well-rested and prepared to participate. Remember, **self-care is a political act**.

Numerous chances to get involved will arise in the coming months—just recall the **Women’s March**, which occurred in January following the 2016 election.

### 2. **Disconnect As Much As Possible**
Cytowic points out that many are feeling inundated due to the relentless flow of political advertisements, social media posts, and news coverage, all of which can amplify anxiety. With the election behind us, you might find yourself sifting through post-election analyses or grappling with what the **New York Times** termed the “edge of an authoritarian form of governance unprecedented in [the United States’] 248-year history.”

To break this cycle, consider muting or silencing notifications, so your phone isn’t a constant temptation. You could also designate specific times for checking the news, such as after meals, to prevent falling into the trap of endless updates.

### 3. **Spend Time with Those You Care About**
Social media and technology often distract us from face-to-face connections. Engaging with loved ones can be refreshing, Cytowic states. Now might be the ideal moment to grab coffee with a colleague, invite a friend for dinner, or have a meaningful conversation with a family member (rather than texting). You can also opt to avoid political discussions if that would help.

### 4. **Partake in Non-Goal-Oriented Activities**
The human brain requires downtime, Cytowic elaborates, as it is consistently bombarded by stimulation. The Dutch even have a term for this: **Niksen**, which means the act of doing nothing. Taking moments to simply exist—whether it’s gazing at trees, observing the sky, or listening to birds—can help realign your mental focus. Even a serene moment beneath a tree in the park can be very beneficial.

### 5. **Engage in Meditative Activities**
Taking a break from social media for the day may be challenging unless you have alternative activities in mind. Cytowic recommends hobbies that allow you to remain present or create a sense of flow, such as meditation, cooking, playing cards, gardening, or sports. These pursuits can help you stay grounded and diminish stress.

Regardless of how you opt to relax after Election Day, it’s essential to allocate time for a meaningful transition away from the stress and anxiety that may have accumulated over the recent days, weeks, or months.

Cytowic believes that if individuals can take this opportunity to step back, they will be much happier than if they persist in their “relentless exposure” to screens, politics, and the chaos they frequently provoke.

**UPDATE: Nov. 6**