Presidential Election

How To Cope With Your Candidate Losing The Election

This election has been ... emotional. So here's some sound advice about moving on if the results didn't go your way.

How To Cope With Your Candidate Losing The Election
Newsy / Evan Thomas

This presidential election has been a particularly emotional one, and maybe you're having a hard time coping with the fact that your candidate lost. If that's the case, here's some psychologically sound advice to help you move on.

First, you don't want to dwell on things, so it's a good idea to distract yourself for a while. The election result is all anyone is going to be talking about on the news or social media, so it's probably best to avoid those (though watching a few Newsy videos wouldn't hurt). Spend time on your hobbies, or better yet, do something for others, like donating blood or volunteering.

Next, get some exercise, which improves mood and reduces stress. Anything from a walk in the park to going all Rocky Balboa on a heavy bag will do.

After that, relax. Listen to some calming music, take some deep breaths or do some yoga or meditation if that's your thing. Find a way to clear your head that works for you.

Next, and this one is pretty powerful: Get a head start on Thanksgiving by thinking about everything you're thankful for. Remembering the good things in your life helps you focus on the positive.

After all of that, you should finally be calm and clear-headed enough to accept things the way they are. Remember that although it didn't turn out how you wanted, it's not the end of the world. Most likely.