And the results are in! On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump will take office as the 45th President of the United States of America. Regardless of your political party, your views, or social media opinion, admit it, this election took a toll on you. This entire campaign has been unlike any other with people all over the country becoming so emotionally invested in the election that we are almost as exhausted as the candidates.

Characterizing this past year of campaigning as a roller coaster is putting it lightly. With social media playing a significant role in allowing voters to express their opinions, people have expressed feelings of joy, stress, hope, and concern. There are worries of being marginalized and of the future to come. There is joy of the idea of change and yet...there is not yet a feeling of unity.

The day of the election was like Christmas Eve, except with much, much higher anxiety. You would think after finding out the results of the election, everyone would calm down, right? Nope. Social media accounts spiraled into an out-of-control tornado the next morning. The transitional period between administrations can be just as filled with anxiety as the election day itself. So here we are, awaiting the Donald Trump Administration. That reality might bring so much hope and energy to your soul and it might also terrify you. It is time for all of us to take a step back from the violent protests, from the hate and ignorance, and from the fear to remember what is really important. Our opinions are important, our emotions are important, and we are important.

Here are tips for when you are still feeling completely overwhelmed by this election and our future:

1. It is OK to feel the way you feel, it is not OK to harm others.

2. Stay off of social media! sometimes we need to set boundaries for ourselves. Social media has a way of over stimulating our minds with an endless supply of opinions. To be honest, going back and forth in the comment section is a completely ineffective way to get your point across.

3. Be patient. Don't over exaggerate the future of this administration before anything has even happened yet.

4. Stay in perspective. You have goals, focus on them. Focus on you, your health, your wellness. You.

5. Volunteer. A lot of people are worried about specific groups and their rights. There are tons of ways to donate or volunteer to a cause you feel very strongly about, help is always needed!

6. Educate. If there is a topic that you are heavily opinionated on try seeing things from the opposing side. Educate yourself even more on topics you are not comfortable with. There are always two sides to every story.

7. Take a step back. Breathe. Remember you are still in control of your own life. You still have the ability to be the type of person you want to be. Clear your mind and think back to the basics.