I'm not going to speculate on the political leanings of our readers,but I do know that this has been a stressful time for many.

I wrote this story the day before Election Day, and there's no telling what things will look like by the time you read this.

However, I'm assuming some of us will be waiting on pins and needles for the next few days.With that in mind, here are five things you can do, or plan to do, to help feel calm, cool and securein the coming days.

On Election Day, I'll roast a chicken for dinner because it's comforting, but also because it yields a ton of food for little work.

First, I'll stuff the birdwith onions and other aromatics, rubit down with Buxton Chicken Rub from Spicewalla, truss it up (or spatchcock it) and then put butter and herbs under the skin.

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I'll place the seasoned birdon top of some halved sweet potatoes in a baking pan and roast it until it's done. I always watch for the skin to pull up around the ankles, but you can also use a thermometer; it should read 165 when done.

A spatchcocked and roasted chicken.(Photo: Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

You should eat your fill for dinner, save the rest of the meat for sandwiches and salads and setthe bones aside in the refrigerator or freezer. When you're ready, simmer the bones with celery, onions, carrots and thyme. I use an Instant Pot to make a gallon of chicken stock in two hours, which I break into four quart containers. I then make soup, simmer beans and freeze whatever's left. It's comforting to have all that food.

No matter your preferred way of moving your body, get outside or to your weight room and do it. If you're heading outside, you get the bonus of some sun on your skin and fresh air to breathe. If you're worried about encountering a crowd, bring your mask. However you do it, the act of exercising and focusing on your breath andmovement will help you get and stay grounded.Make sure to drink lots of water.

Get exercise to get grounded.(Photo: Dan Perez/Record-Courier)

Sometimes it's hard to get up and out of bed in the morning. But there are few things more motivating than coffee and breakfast tacos or biscuits on your porch.

Breakfast delivery from Biscuit Head via Kickback AVL.(Photo: Mackensy Lunsford)

You can preorder breakfast or brunch via Kickback AVL days in advance, and it's magnificent. Choices include Taco Billy, Biscuit Head, City Bakery and more.

Visitwww.kickbackavl.comto see your choices and schedule delivery. Talk about self care.

Yep, I work for a newspaper and I'm telling you to tune out the news, at least sometimes. Doom-scrolling has been a major source of anxiety for some myself included this year.

Pick a time to read the news, set yourself a time limit, and then try to stop checking in when your time is up. Allow yourself a reasonable number of times to check back in per day or even per hour. Then, set a time to put down the phone or turn off the TV at night before you go to bed and try to stick with it.

Whether it's your friend, your sister, your mom, your uncle, a therapist or pastor, reach out and talk to someone you can trust, especially if you've been stuck in your head or isolated from people more than usual. Oddly enough, right now seems a particularly nice time for small talk.

So how about that weather?

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Mackensy Lunsford has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years, and has been a staff writer for the Asheville Citizen Times since 2012. Lunsford is a former professional line cook and one-time restaurant owner.

Reach me:mlunsford@citizentimes.com.

Read more: Subscribe to the Citizen Times here. Subscribe to my newsletter here.

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5 things you can do to stay calm, collected and happy this election season - Citizen Times