How to Deal with the USA 2024 Presidential Election Results (Without Losing Your Mind)

Oh, election season. The build-up. The debates. The endless think-pieces and arguments. And now that we have a result, a lot of us are probably feeling some type of way about it. Some are thrilled. Others? Not so much. I'm devastated. And here we are, left to process our feelings on another political rollercoaster. So, what do we do now that the dust is settling? Grab a cup of tea because we’re about to unpack how to handle those post-election blues, reds, or whatever you’re feeling right now.

1. Step Away from the News Cycle (Yes, I Mean It!)

We’re bombarded with news 24/7. If you feel overwhelmed, or worse, like you can’t stop doom-scrolling through headlines, it’s time to pause. Turn off the news alerts. Mute the channels that keep pinging your phone with every “breaking” detail. You don’t need to be informed 24/7—trust me, the important stuff will find you anyway. Take a break, detox a little, and breathe. Your mental health deserves that.

2. Vent, but Vent Smart

We all know the classic post-election social media rant. But listen, ranting all over Bluesky (I refuse to even mention other platforms) might not actually feel as good as you think it will (and you’re bound to stir up drama with that cousin who hasn’t stopped posting memes since election night). Instead, grab a friend who feels the same way, call them up, and let it out. Or write it down in a journal—pour out your feelings, get it all out in a way that won’t leave you regretting your social media posts the next day.

3. Do Something Productive (I Know, I Know, But Hear Me Out)

When emotions run high, staying stagnant can make things feel worse. So if you’re disappointed or furious, use that energy constructively. Get involved in something local, even if it’s as simple as signing up to volunteer for a cause you believe in. The truth? Our day-to-day lives are often more influenced by what happens on the local level than on the federal level. Put your energy toward making a change where you live.

4. Get Educated (But Like, Actually Educated)

A lot of us make assumptions based on what we hear, but if we’re going to really understand what’s going on, we need to dig a bit deeper. Look into the policies, decisions, and implications. Don’t rely just on sound bites—actually try to understand what’s in store, and how you can be prepared. Knowing what to expect and understanding the facts, even the ones you don’t like, gives you a lot more power than you think.

5. Channel Your Inner Comedian

When in doubt, laugh it out. Really. Laugh at the chaos. Watch a funny political parody. Embrace the memes. There’s a reason political satire exists—it’s how people have coped with leaders and decisions they didn’t love for centuries. Laugh at the absurdity, because sometimes the only thing left to do is roll your eyes, giggle, and say, “Well, there it is!”

6. Focus on What’s in Your Control

It’s easy to feel like things are completely out of our hands, but let’s not forget: we do have control over our own lives and decisions. Sure, we don’t decide the election outcomes, but we do get to choose how we respond. We get to decide how we show up in our communities, how we treat others, and how we work on our own dreams and goals. Keep your focus on where you have real power. It’s a lot more than you think.

7. Plan for the Next Round, Even If You’re Over It

I know the thought of gearing up for another election sounds exhausting right now. But if you’re feeling frustrated with the way things went, think about what you’d like to do differently next time. Learn more about local elections, or about how you can help register new voters. Start planning now, while it’s fresh, for the kind of impact you want to make down the road. Remember: small steps lead to big change.

8. Practice Some Self-Care (For Real, Not the Instagram Kind)

Lastly, you matter. No, really—you matter. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, defeated, or anxious, give yourself a break. Rest. Journal. Bake a cake. Whatever soothes you, do that. Self-care isn’t about ignoring reality but about building yourself up so you can handle it. Take care of yourself now so that, no matter what’s happening on the national stage, you’re ready to take on the world tomorrow.

9. Remember the Power of Community

We’re in this together, and that solidarity? It’s everything. Reach out to your community. Organize, build each other up, and don’t let political division make you lose sight of the fact that we’re all just humans trying to make it through.

In the End...

We might not be able to control what happens in the White House, but we can control how we respond to it, and that response is powerful. So let’s take a deep breath, keep pushing for what we believe in, and move forward with our heads held high.

Thankful for your presence, Neja