Calming Things To Look At While The Votes Come In

The Nov. 8 presidential election is close and for many, incredibly stressful. All things considered, you might need some calming things to look at while you wait for the outcome. Believe it or not, it is possible to chill tonight — as long as you've got the right stuff to chill with.

Election stress disorder is real, y'all. If your anxiety is off the charts tonight, you aren't alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 52 percent of Americans adults report that the 2016 election has been a significant source of stress.

“We’re seeing that it doesn’t matter whether you’re registered as a Democrat or Republican — U.S. adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election,” said Lynn Bufka, PhD and APA’s Associate Executive Director For Practice Research and Policy in a statement on CBS News. Symptoms of election stress can include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia, depression, and a loss of appetite. Sound familiar? You're definitely not alone.

One tip for dealing with doom is remembering the awesome power of our political system — it's designed to stay stable, no matter who comes into power. Consider pondering that notion instead of freaking out entirely — and if you absolutely can't calm yourself down, try these good old fashioned distractions instead. Keep calm, turn off the TV, and gaze upon these soothing things until you feel like yourself again.

1. A Restorative Yoga Session

Use those commercial breaks to breathe and return to your body. Focusing on physical movements get you out of your head and far away from all the worry.

2. A Hilarious Video

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em in some laughs. Humor is a great way to get your mind off of impending doom and see the bright side.

3. A Reminder From The Past

If the colors on the map are stressing you out, keep this in mind: When Obama was running in 2012, this is how the map looked. Doesn't seem so bad now, does it?

4. This Painter's Instagram Page

Painter Annette Labedzki dedicates almost her entire Instagram page to mixing paints and pigments, and watching it is truly soothing.

5. Kinetic Sand

Trust: This video (and all videos) of kinetic sand will definitely bring your stress levels down a notch.

6. ASMR Videos

Autonomous sensory meridian response, or ASMR is a euphoric experience characterized by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin, caused by small sounds like quiet tapping or whispering. It's not for everyone, but this might be just the kind of thing to calm you down.

7. Things Organized Neatly

Never underestimate the power of a very organized situation. Tumblr Things Organized Neatly has got you covered until you're feeling zen again.

8. Nature Sounds

It's as simple as it seems: Nature Sounds, a site dedicated exclusively to the dulcet tones of rain falling and leaves blowing in the wind. Tune in and unwind.

9. A Page Full Of Compliments

Need a reason to calm down and smile? Check out Automatic Flatterer, the site where you put in your name and allow it to create endless dialogue boxes about how great you are. If your preferred candidate is losing, put her name into the site to remind you how great she is.

Sure, things can get stressful sometimes — especially when the future of your country is at stake. If you're feeling overwhelmed by it all, take a minute to disengage from it all and calm yourself with some fun stuff instead.

Images: Ben White, Reza Shayestepour/Unsplash; Bustle