One therapist suggests three alternatives to watching the election tonight, including making an appointment for a facial.

As the votes are counted and the results are announced, many Americans will be closely watching, potentially at the expense of their mental health.

According to the American Psychological Association, 69% of Americans reported that the U.S. presidential election was a significant source of stress for them prior to early voting beginning.

To alleviate Election Day anxiety, New York City-based psychotherapist Kathryn Smerling recommends taking a break from social media.

Smerling says that if you've completed your voting duties, you must learn to relinquish control.

Mental health experts suggest these ways to cope with Election Day anxiety.

Schedule a full day

Vanessa Kennedy, the director of psychology at Driftwood Recovery in Austin, Texas, believes that she doesn't want to waste any time.

"Sedentary time has been linked to increased anxiety because our minds can wander and imagine terrifying outcomes," she explains.

Now is the time to tackle any to-do's you've been putting off.

Smerling suggests having some fun. Her own plan? "I scheduled a facial at 6 P.M.," she says.

If you're feeling unsure about where to begin, try one of these therapist-approved activities to help you relax and unwind without reaching for your phone.

1. Exercise

Inviting others or doing Pilates or runs outside can enhance the benefits of working out, according to Kennedy.

Incorporating a social or nature element can enhance your mood and potentially provide additional benefits, according to her.

According to Smerling, the benefits of exercise persist beyond the duration of the workout and can last for several hours afterwards.

2. Snag that hard-to-get reservation

Election night often results in less crowded popular restaurants.

Smerling advises going to a restaurant that you've always wanted to visit, but it's usually too busy.

Having a meal with friends can help you stay calm and focused during a heated election discussion.

3. Go to the movie theater

Spending Election Day in a no-phone zone like a movie theater can be an ideal way to escape the stress of the election and enjoy a relaxing day with a friend. After the movie, you can discuss what you saw and catch up on the latest news.

Smerling advises that this can help you leave the house and reduce the urge to check your TV or phone every five minutes.

Other Election Day ground rules

To ensure your day is as stress-free as possible, here are three ways to execute your evening plan in the healthiest way possible.

1. To maintain a balance between staying informed and preserving some tranquility, Americans can set specific times and time limits for phone usage throughout the day. For instance, one can check their phone every hour, on the hour and limit their usage to five minutes. After the allotted time, they should put their device down.
2. Don't get drunk: Smerling advises that while drinking with friends is acceptable, it's important to moderate consumption. She suggests pacing oneself with any alcohol or weed. A hangover won't affect the election results, she says.
3. Instead of anxiously waiting for the election results, set a bedtime and engage in a relaxing routine to help you unwind. Kennedy suggests using a winding down routine such as having a healthy snack, reading a good book, praying or meditating, or watching something fun and unrelated to the election to allow your mind to disconnect from anxiety.

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