THE FALLS RAVINE TRAIL IN FRICK PARK CAN PROVIDE A QUIET ESCAPE FROM THE STRESS OF ELECTION DAY. | PHOTO BY VIRGINIA LINN

Nearly three-quarters of us are experiencing stress and anxiety over the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, according to the American Psychiatric Association. And because the counting of votes could take a few days, we may be feeling this way for awhile. What are ways to cope?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Forest Bathing

Between the City of Pittsburgh’s 176 municipal parks and Allegheny County’s nine regional parks, plus the beautiful trails in the Laurel Highlands and Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, there are a wealth of places to walk or hike out your stress — or just simply take in nature. Take advantage of the last remnants of fall’s colored leaves and milder temperatures. Or visit the green oasis of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland — it’s open daily. 

Studies have found that spending as little as 10 to 20 minutes a day in nature can lead to increased well-being and happiness — and decreased amounts of stress.

2. Seek Solace in Your Faith Community

Several churches and houses of worship are opening their sanctuaries for all-day prayer or special prayer sessions on election day. 

Catholic Churches in the Diocese of Pittsburgh: Bishop David A. Zubik has asked all parishes to offer time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Election Day. Check with your local parish.

A sampling of others:

Election Night Interfaith Vesper Service, 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills, 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, 15228. This is sponsored by several churches in the South Hills. This will be combined with Election Night Comfort Food & Co., starting at 5 p.m., with family activities, potluck supper, games, election viewing and quiet contemplation. 

Election Day Open Sanctuary and Prayer, 8 a.m to 5 p.m., Community House Church and Riverview United Presbyterian Church, 120 Parkhurst St., North Side, 15212. 

Election Day Vigil and Prayer Service: Sanctuary is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for quiet prayer, with a prayer service beginning at 8 p.m. Waverly Presbyterian Church, 590 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square. 

THE BRADDOCK TRAIL IN FRICK PARK. | PHOTO BY VIRGINIA LINN

3. Take a Run

There are few activities that kick up the endorphins more than running. The 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. in Regent Square offers trail runs every Tuesday night from 6 to 8 p.m., rain or shine. All abilities welcome. Each week, there are at least two pace groups with a 10-minute-mile group departing at 6 p.m. and a 12-minute-mile group departing at 6:20 p.m. Bring headlamps because Frick Park will be dark after the switch to standard time. 1130 S. Braddock Ave. Regent Square, 15218

4. Practice Self Care

Mark Denys, associate vice provost of Temple University’s Health and Well-being Division in Philadelphia, suggests these ways to take care of yourself through the election stress:

• Limit your time on social media and set up a schedule to block apps and notifications.
• Avoid isolation — FaceTime with a friend.
• Read a book.
• Watch funny videos.
• Practice mindfulness and meditation.

5. Hang Out With Your Pet (or With a Friend’s Pet)

Pets can help you reduce stress, boost mood and lower blood pressure and cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association.

An Australian study of nearly 6,000 participants attending a free screening clinic found that pet owners had significantly lower systolic blood pressures than pet non-owners, despite similar body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic profiles. Systolic blood pressure — the first and higher number —  tells more about risk factors for heart disease for people over 50.

The same difference in blood pressure was found in married couples who owned or didn’t own pets.