Stressing over Election Day? Try These Apps and Tools to Calm Your Nerves
USA
Election Day can be stressful, especially with so many emotions tied to the outcomes, the uncertainty, and the fast-paced stream of news. If you’re feeling anxious about the election results or the overall process, there are a number of tools and Election Day apps designed to help you manage stress, stay calm, and focus on maintaining your mental health during this challenging time. Whether you’re worried about the long wait for results, the constant barrage of information, or just the general anxiety that comes with political seasons, here are some helpful suggestions for staying grounded.
1. Headspace – Meditation and Mindfulness
Election anxiety oftenElection Day comes from uncertainty and being overwhelmed with information. Headspace offers guided meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices that are perfect for reducing stress. Whether you’re Election Day just starting your day or need a moment to calm down after a stressful news update, the app offers short sessions that are easy to fit into your schedule.
Headspace has a variety of meditation sessions specifically tailored for anxiety and stress, as well as sleep-related issues—helpful if you’re having trouble unwinding or sleeping due to election-related worries. Plus, their “Weathering the Storm” series could help you manage the rollercoaster of emotions you might be experiencing as Election Day approaches.
2. Calm – Relaxation and Sleep
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If your election anxiety keeps you up at night, Calm could be the perfect app to help you find peace. Known for its relaxing soundscapes, guided meditations, and sleep stories, Calm is an excellent way to wind down before bed.
The app also offers breathing exercises, gentle reminders to take a pause throughout your day, and relaxation music to help you stay grounded. If you’re particularly anxious about the election results, using Calm’s “Daily Calm” 10-minute sessions could help clear your mind, focusing on deep breathing and relaxation to help you re-center.
3. Breethe – Meditation and Mindfulness
Another great meditation app to consider is Breethe. It’s packed with guided meditation, relaxation techniques, and even mini mindfulness sessions that you can use throughout the day. Breethe also includes breathing exercises designed specifically to ease anxiety, which is perfect when you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant election news.
Breethe’s calming approach can also help you create a sense of inner peace amidst political uncertainty, with features for reducing stress, anxiety, and even managing negative thoughts. Whether you’re looking to take a quick break from the world or unwind before sleep, Breethe has a variety of content for every need.
4. MyLife Meditation (Formerly Stop, Breathe & Think)
If you need personalized meditation recommendations based on your current mood, MyLife Meditation (formerly known as Stop, Breathe & Think) is a great option. The app uses your emotions and mood as a starting point to recommend specific mindfulness exercises that can help you reduce anxiety and stay centered.
It offers a mix of meditation, breathing exercises, and even body scans to help you release tension and calm your mind. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can quickly find a guided session that matches your emotional state. Its simplicity and tailored approach make it an easy-to-use app for anyone struggling with election anxiety.
5. 10% Happier – Mindful Practices for Stress Relief
10% Happier is an app for anyone who wants to dive deeper into mindfulness and meditation with a more practical, secular approach. It’s especially useful if you’ve never meditated before and are looking for straightforward, evidence-based practices.
The app features a range of meditation sessions and mindfulness techniques taught by renowned teachers and mindfulness experts. Their courses are often focused on reducing stress and improving mental clarity, which could be helpful during the rollercoaster ride of Election Day.
6. Simple Habit – Quick Stress Relief
If you don’t have much time to spare but still need to manage stress, Simple Habit might be the perfect solution. With short, five-minute meditation sessions, this app helps you relax and focus even if you’re on the go. Simple Habit offers a range of specific sessions for anxiety and stress relief, which may be particularly useful as Election Day approaches.
Additionally, the app’s user-friendly design makes it easy to incorporate quick relaxation practices into your daily routine, and its stress-reducing content is designed to calm the mind in just a few minutes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by election day media, this app offers a brief, efficient respite.
7. Pzizz – Sleep and Relaxation
For those struggling with sleep during a stressful time like an election, Pzizz is an app designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Using scientifically-backed techniques like binaural beats and soothing sounds, Pzizz creates personalized sleep sequences to help calm your mind and body.
If your mind races as you try to sleep, this app offers a relaxing alternative to scrolling through election updates. The app’s customizable nature means you can find the perfect sound to soothe your nerves and get the rest you need during an anxious time.
8. Daylio – Mood Tracking and Journaling
For some people, simply tracking their emotions can help reduce stress and gain insight into what’s causing their anxiety. Daylio is a mood-tracking and journaling app that helps you track your emotions, identify patterns, and find ways to manage your stress.
By logging how you feel each day and adding notes, Daylio can help you gain perspective on your emotions and understand where your anxiety is coming from. Over time, it can give you insights into your triggers and help you take steps to address them—whether it’s through meditation, self-care, or finding more positive coping strategies.