Election Day produces high stress and anxiety levels, experts say it’s important to cope

By Leah Rainwater

Many residents and voters have experienced stress and anxiety in the aftermath of Election Day, leaving Americans to play “catch-up” with coping strategies.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are a few ways you can help deal with racing thoughts that might have physical affects on the body.

Sticking to a sleep routine and making sure to get enough sleep is a key priority to look at.

Additionally, making sure to exercise and eat healthy and regular meals will keep you from straying from your normal schedule.

A few other resources to help cope include keeping a journal and/or reaching out to family and friends who can help in a positive way. Chronic stress and anxiety symptoms can create a negative affect on the body and the mind.

Typical symptoms that are experienced tend to be excessive worrying, uneasiness, tension, headaches or body pain, high blood pressure and loss of sleep.

The National Institute of Mental Health notes that if someone is struggling to cope, or if symptoms won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional.