MADISON, Wis. — Catching up on all your post-presidential election coverage is important, but too much could be hazardous to your health.

That warning comes from UW Health Psychologist Dr. Shilagh Mirgain. 

"We are in the midst of so much uncertainty, and it feels like so much is at risk and at stake with this election,” she said. “Many people are finding themselves feeling out of sort.”

She says insomnia, alcohol and binge-eating are all unhealthy coping strategies she is worried about right now.  Besides that, she believes it is vital to put the screens down from time to time and enjoy some fresh air or time with family and friends.

"Really, be mindful of how much news or media you're consuming it's really easy to start to do doom scrolling or doom surfing where you're just looking from one article to another to another are checking your social media page over and over, and staying glued to those devices or those screens, but we find that when people are over consuming media that actually can be a trigger for increased anxiety," Dr. Mirgain said.  

She says instead, do something offline like a board game with family or friends or finish a task you've been putting off.

Mirgain hopes everyone can also enjoy the fall-like temperatures outside this week.

"Take a walk or run, being out in nature can be a balm to the soul when we feel that sense of unease or distress," she explained.

Another trick to reduce your election-related stress level, Mirgain's two steps and a big breath exercise.

"Feeling the connection with the earth, and then just taking one, deep breath, doing slower lower breathing really engaging the belly and doing diaphragmatic breathing," she said.

Besides breathing, she hopes you use 'temporal distancing' to help you cope with the next few days, or perhaps the next four years.

"It's when we think about us in the future, maybe think about yourself, four years from now with the next election and when you think from that future self that future self perspective. Think about what he or she would say to you right now. And what kind of action steps would they encourage you to take what kind of self care would that future self wants you to engage in. How would they want you to baby be a role model for our family members or friends or in your community," Dr.  Migraine said.

But most importantly, she urges anyone who may need help not to hesitate and call your primary care physician, mental health provider or reach out to a trusted loved one for support.