Stressed about the election? You’re not alone. Election season brings about an entirely different kind of buzz. At a minimum, things can feel unpredictable and uncertain; at an extreme, it can feel like your entire being is under attack. But just because the stakes are high doesn’t mean your anxiety has to be.

We’ve rounded up some easy and effective ways to de-stress as election day looms. Whether you’re glued to the results or just trying to survive the group chats, these tips will help you navigate election stress with a little more calm—and maybe even a smile.

1. Take Breaks from the News (Yes, We Mean It)
   

   First things first: It’s time to step away from the doom-scrolling. Yes, we know it’s hard. The constant ping of notifications from news outlets and social media makes it feel like you might miss out on something big if you put your phone down for even a second. But here’s the truth: the world will keep turning, and you deserve a break from the never-ending stream of updates.

   Studies show that constant exposure to the news, especially during stressful events, can have an intensely negative effect on our mental health. So, set limits for yourself. Try checking the news once or twice a day, rather than obsessively refreshing your feed. And in between, immerse yourself in activities that don’t involve politics—like reading a book, which is a favorite past time for our social media manager (who reads over 100 a books a year…absolutely bonkers).

   Pro Tip: Schedule your “news detox” around a soothing activity, like taking a walk or making your favorite Fable-based cocktail. It’ll feel like a mini retreat from the chaos.

2. Move Your Body (Even Just a Little)
   When stress builds, one of the best ways to shake it off—literally—is to move your body. Exercise helps release endorphins, the brain’s natural stress relievers, and also serves as a great distraction from all the election anxiety swirling around . But don’t worry, we’re not saying you need to run a marathon (unless that’s your thing…which, like, more power to you!).

   A 20-minute walk around your neighborhood, some gentle stretching, doing a few quick jumping jacks in your living room, or even heading out for a round of late-fall golf like our Head of DTC, David, likes to do can make a world of difference. The goal is to get your blood flowing and shift your focus away from the political drama, if only for a while.

   And if you need extra motivation, here’s a fun idea: make a playlist of feel-good songs, grab your favorite flavor of Fable (Into the Woods, anyone?), and take a breather. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to face the news when you get back.

3. Focus On The Things You Can Control
   Oftentimes, feelings of stress and anxiety stem from a fear of the unknown and/or a lack of ability to control a situation. This can be especially heightened when the issue is on the national stage and has real-life, widespread implications. As human beings, our minds like to predict the outcome, so when the future is uncertain, we often start imagining worst-case scenarios. Instead, take a moment to consider what you are able to control. If you are eligible, make sure you vote.  If you’re nervous about the outcome, have an if-then plan—for example, if the results don’t go the way you’re hoping, consider joining an advocacy organization for causes that matter to you.

   When anxiety hits, it’s easy to feel like you’re spiraling, especially during tense times like an election. One of the quickest ways to bring yourself back to the present moment and calm your mind is through meditative breathing. It might sound simple, but taking a few deep breaths can do wonders for your stress levels.

   A popular technique is the 4-7-8 breathing method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This type of controlled breathing helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming you down when you’re feeling stressed,

   So, next time you catch yourself anxiously scrolling through election coverage or nervously awaiting the next debate, pause. Take a deep breath. And repeat.

4. Practice Mindful Breathing (Because Breathing is Always in Fashion)
   

   When anxiety hits, it’s easy to feel like you’re spiraling, especially during tense times like an election. One of the quickest ways to bring yourself back to the present moment and calm your mind is through meditative breathing. It might sound simple, but taking a few deep breaths can do wonders for your stress levels.

   A popular technique is the 4-7-8 breathing method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This type of controlled breathing helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming you down when you’re feeling stressed,

   So, next time you catch yourself anxiously scrolling through election coverage or nervously awaiting the next debate, pause. Take a deep breath. And repeat.

   Election season can sometimes bring out strong opinions (to say the least), and it’s important to stay connected to your support network while navigating these discussions. But here’s the key—know when to step back. If the political debates in your group chat are becoming more stress-inducing than helpful, it might be time to mute the conversation for a bit and practice how you may want to respond to someone with whom you disagree. 

   That said, don’t isolate yourself. Stay in touch with friends who bring positive energy and can help you decompress. Whether it’s a virtual hangout or a casual chat over a Fable, staying connected can remind you that, no matter what happens in the election, your community is still here for you.

5. Stay Connected to Friends (But Know Your Limits)
   

   Election season can sometimes bring out strong opinions (to say the least), and it’s important to stay connected to your support network while navigating these discussions. But here’s the key—know when to step back. If the political debates in your group chat are becoming more stress-inducing than helpful, it might be time to mute the conversation for a bit and practice how you may want to respond to someone with whom you disagree. 

   That said, don’t isolate yourself. Stay in touch with friends who bring positive energy and can help you decompress. Whether it’s a virtual hangout or a casual chat over a Fable, staying connected can remind you that, no matter what happens in the election, your community is still here for you.

6.  Engage in Calming Hobbies (Distract Yourself with Something Fun)
   During high-stress times, finding a hobby that takes your mind off things is like gold. Whether it’s knitting, painting, baking, or even working on that puzzle you’ve been avoiding, having something fun to focus on can break the cycle of anxiety.

   If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing on Election Day, try meditation, journaling, or pull out a coloring book. These activities not only help keep your mind off election stress but can also be incredibly calming.

   Don’t forget to pair your activity with a can of Night Flight to ease into your creative flow!

7. Focus on Positivity and Find Hope (Even in Uncertain Times)
   When the stress of an election looms large, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or even hopeless, but finding moments of positivity can go a long way toward easing anxiety. While the results may feel uncertain, it’s important to remember that there’s always hope—even in the smallest moments. Whether it’s reaching out to someone you love, reflecting on the things that bring you joy, or focusing on a personal victory, keeping a positive outlook can help you stay grounded.

   One simple way to stay positive is to practice gratitude. It might sound cliché, but taking a moment each day to jot down one or two things you’re thankful for can shift your mindset and reduce stress. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can boost overall mental well-being and even lower anxiety levels.

   Another way to find hope is to seek out stories of good in the world. Whether it’s an uplifting article or a feel-good video, reminding yourself that there’s positivity in the world—even amid election stress—can help you feel more optimistic about the future.

   Pro Tip: End the day by listing three things you’re grateful for and pairing that reflection with your favorite Fable flavor. A little gratitude and a sip of calm can help set the tone for a good night’s rest.

   Election season may be stressful, but it doesn’t have to control your mindset. By taking breaks, moving your body, practicing mindful breathing, and staying connected, you can manage your anxiety and navigate these tense times with grace. And of course, don’t forget your favorite Fable drink to help ease those jitters. Because no matter what happens in the election, you’ve got this—and a little moment of zen is just a sip away.