For some, the election cycle causes a great deal of stress. Given our 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy to give into the anxiety and urgency. It’s one thing to be informed, but we can also over-consume. Here are some ways to lower your anxiety as we head into Tuesday, Nov. 5.

1. Engage with your church community

Staying rooted in ritual and community is key to getting through any stressful event. Your church might have something special planned the Sunday before Tuesday the 5^th, or maybe your church wants to offer a reprieve from the bombardment we’ve been receiving for months now. Either way, take some time to connect. Stay present in worship. Connect with your Sunday school class or small group. Find places to name your anxiety and get support. Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference (thanks to the efforts of our Indianapolis area pastors) is offering an Election Day Communion the night of the 5^th. If this interests you, there are a number of Mennonite churches that engage in this practice.

2. Breathe

If you find yourself in an anxiety spiral, you can try one of many breathing practices. One is called the 4-7-8 exercise, where you breathe in for four counts, hold for seven counts and exhale slowly for eight counts. Simply being conscious of your breathing helps. For more ideas on breathing exercises for anxiety (and more maladies than just anxiety), click here.

3. Plan your Tuesday night

What do you need to do to take care of yourself? Does it involve eating a wholesome, satisfying dinner? Will a little bit of chocolate help? Would it help you to be around other people or to be alone? Do you want to watch coverage of the election or only check your phone every now and then? Come up with something that will lower the heat of the evening for you, because, at the end of the night, it’s about taking care of you.

4. Take a break and set your limits

As much as some of us may want to, staying glued to our TVs or phones isn’t good for anyone and can lead to more stress. Plan for regular breaks if you’re into watching the election results for the long haul. Drink some water, take a walk or make a phone call, whatever kind of break feels best to you. Also, set a limit. How late can you stay up and still feel good about getting to work the next morning, if that’s part of your routine? Many of us will have to settle with not knowing the results until the next day. Can you check in with yourself and stop scrolling when it feels like too much? You are not being “uninformed” by setting limits to your news consumption.

5. Prayer

Prayer is always important, especially during stressful times. Prayer can take many forms. It can involve singing, journaling, walking a prayer labyrinth or doodling. It can happen in the midst of doing something creative or whatever feeds your soul. Prayer helps us stay grounded both with ourselves, with our community and with God.