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A man laying on the floor in a relaxed pose listening to headphones.

With Election Day finally over, you might find yourself scrolling social media for hours on end — elated that Donald Trump won, or devastated that he defeated Kamala Harris.

Either way, you might instead consider a hard-earned break from the 2024 election altogether.

Whether you call the act of signing off on Wednesday a mental health day, social media detox, or simply touching grass, there is nothing you can gain from election-related hypervigilance, said Dr. Richard E. Cytowic, author of Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload.

"Whether you're obsessed about it or not, the vote count is going to be what it's going to be," Cytowic told Mashable prior to Election Day.

Still, many people have spent the past several weeks or months agitated and anxious about the election.

They're not just experiencing average stress, either. The American Psychological Association's recent poll of U.S. adults found nearly three-quarters of respondents worried that the election results could lead to violence, and more than half believe this election could be the end of democracy in America. With such incredibly high stakes in mind, it's no surprise that people have struggled with the uncertainty of knowing who will become president of the United States, and under what circumstances.

Yet, Cytowic said people also need an off-ramp from this anxiety, rather than letting it persist and fester. You may become fearful for other reasons now that the election results are clear, but at least you'll have a reprieve before new worries fully dominate your thoughts.

To help create this break, Cytowic, who is also a clinical professor of neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, recommends the following strategies:

Accept that you don't have control over what happens. If you voted, try considering that the end of your election season journey, because you did what was within your power to help determine the outcome, Cytowic said.

You may want to start or continue activism and organizing, but much of that work involves direct action, not impulsively checking social media. Plus, you'll need to be rested and ready to engage; self-care is a political act and always has been.

There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in politics in the coming months (remember: the Women's March didn't happen until the January after the November 2016 election).

Log off as much as possible. Cytowic said that people are overwhelmed because they're being bombarded by political advertising, social media content, and media coverage about the election, all of which can make them more anxious.

Now that the election is over, you may be scrolling for election postmortems, as well as guidance for how to cope with what the New York Times described on Wednesday as the "precipice of an authoritarian style of governance never before seen in [the United States'] 248-year history."

You can try pausing or silencing notifications, so your phone doesn't lure you back into a vicious cycle of checking for updates. If it's helpful, decide in advance to only check the news at certain times, such as after meals.

Spend time with someone you care about. Social media and tech devices tend to pull us away from in-person interactions. But being with a friend or loved one with whom you enjoy spending time can be restorative, Cytowic said. So the days after the election could be a great time to grab coffee with a co-worker (you can choose to avoid politics), invite a friend to dinner, or speak to a family member (instead of texting them).

Do non-purposeful activities. Cytowic said that the human brain needs time to do nothing, because it's straining to be constantly stimulated. Bonus points if you're able to go outside to clear your mind.

The Dutch refer to such idling as Niksen, Cytowic said. The point is to shift your mental focus and use this time as an opportunity to reset the brain's proverbial circuit breakers. Cytowic particularly recommends looking at trees or the sky, or listening to birds. Even a quiet minute under a tree in a park can be beneficial.

Do a meditative activity. Quitting your device and social media for the day won't be easy if you don't plan alternative activities. Cytowic recommends hobbies that help you stay in the present moment or achieve a sense of flow. These can include meditation, cooking, playing cards, gardening, sports, and other engaging pursuits.

However you choose to give yourself a break after Election Day, just be sure to give yourself a meaningful opportunity to transition away from any stress or anxiety you've been living with for days, weeks, or months.

Cytowic said that if people can seize that chance, they'll be much happier than if they never stop their "relentless exposure" to screens, politics, and the turmoil they often create.

UPDATE: Nov. 6, 2024, 9:46 a.m. PST This story was written prior to Election Day. It was updated to reflect the election's results.



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Voters at a polling station in North Carolina in November 2024.

The 2024 U.S. election is rife with disinformation. Now, there's bomb threats.

On Nov. 5, Election Day, the FBI released a succinct statement acknowledging numerous bomb threats at voting centers. The agency suggests foreign tampering in U.S. elections:

The FBI is aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains. None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far.

Election integrity is among the FBI’s highest priorities. We will continue to work closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to respond to any threats to our elections and to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote.

Months ago, the federal government warned that Russia would employ disinformation and other tactics in the U.S. election. "Russia is using its state-run media and other entities to covertly push for its preferred election outcomes, seeking to influence voter preferences in favor of the former president and to diminish the prospects of the vice president," Matthew G. Olsen, the head of the Justice Department's national security division, said at a Columbia Law School speech in September.

The FBI advises vigilance as Election Day progresses:

As always, we urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to state or local law enforcement, or submit tips to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.


Be wary of candidates claiming victory too soon. Voters may be eager to hear presidential election results as soon as possible but, according to election experts, a count is rarely official the day votes are cast, since the process for validating, processing, and counting every single ballot takes time.

Media outlets — and candidates — may call an election early, based on projected figures and the size of the margin between the candidates in various battleground states. But that doesn't mean every vote has been tabulated yet, especially in states that don't allow mail-in, absentee, or early-cast ballots to be processed before election day. Be careful to validate the sources of any official calls that may circulate online. Learn how election winners are called by reputable organizations, like the  Associated Press.

Individuals are encouraged to follow the election bodies in key battleground states for the most accurate information and official counts: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.



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Konig Kitchen Damascus

TL;DR: A 5-Piece Konig Damascus Knife Set is on sale for $74.97 (reg. $249).


Whether you're cooking a feast for the holidays or slicing the crust off a PB and J, good knives make the job easier. It's not just that it's safer to use a sharp knife than a dull one. It's also just easier to cook when you have the specialized tools for the job. Your trusty paring knife may be sharp, but it's not going to carve a turkey. 

That's why it's so useful to have a full knife set in the kitchen, but you don't need to blow your holiday budget to get a nice set. Instead, check out this Konig Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set that's on sale for $74.97 (reg. $249). 

What's in the box?

No slackers in this knife set. The 5-inch and a 7-inch Santoku knives are both designed with hollow edges to prevent food from sticking, making them perfect for slicing and dicing everything from meats to veggies. The shorter Santoku gives you excellent control, while the longer one tackles larger ingredients with ease.

Then, there’s the 8-inch Chef Knife—an all-rounder with a broad blade that’s ideal for those rocking motions as you chop, slice, and dice like a pro. For dedicated veggie lovers, the 7-inch Nakiri knife’s straight blade makes it easy to slice right down to the cutting board with each cut, handling leafy greens and roots with ease. And for those little details, the 3.5-inch Paring Knife is perfect for peeling, trimming, and any precise work you need on smaller fruits and vegetables.

Each knife also features a rosewood handle that doesn’t just look stunning; it’s moisture-resistant and super comfortable to hold. With its ergonomic design, you get a secure, relaxed grip, even during long cooking sessions. Thanksgiving, here we come. 

This sale is about to expire

Your kitchen deserves this. 

Get a Konig Kitchen Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set (and Gift Box) while it's only $74.97. 

Konig Kitchen Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set & Gift Box - $74.97

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change. 



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Flexi Pro USB-C

TL;DR: This fast-charging Flexi Pro USB-C Cable is just $14.99 (reg. $24) and makes a terrific grab bag gift.


Need a Secret Santa or grab bag gift that’s practical, unique, and universally useful? The Flexi Pro USB-C to USB-C Soft-Touch Silicone Fast Charge Cable is here to be that for you.

With its tangle-free design and fast charging capability, this six-foot cable is ideal for anyone on your list who uses electronics. At just $14.99, it’s a thoughtful and affordable gift that anyone with a USB-C device will love. 

Designed to keep up with the fast-paced lives of modern users, Flexi Pro combines durability with an extra touch of softness, all in a cable that bends without kinking. It’s crafted with a premium silicone coating that’s ten times stronger than standard cables yet still gentle to the touch and easy to handle.

It even holds its shape, so no more tugging or wrestling with stubborn cables. The Flexi Pro is ideal for home, travel, and work, making it a gift that’s sure to be used often.

This cable powers up devices with impressive speed. Supporting up to 60W USB-C Power Delivery, it can boost a device from 0 to 50 percent in just 25 minutes. It’s a true power player compatible with iPhones, Androids, tablets, and even some laptops.

And for those who love multitasking, Flexi Pro’s high-speed data sync at 480Mbps makes transferring files quick and efficient.

The extra-long 6-foot reach of Flexi Pro makes it easier for users to stay connected. And with an included silicone strap, it’s easier to keep organized in a bag or drawer. Packaged in reduced-plastic materials, Flexi Pro also has an eco-friendly appeal, adding an extra thoughtful touch to this perfect little gift.

Don't scramble for last-minute Secret Santa gifts or stocking stuffers.

Grab this handy Flexi Pro USB-C to USB-C Soft-Touch Silicone Fast Charge Cable for $14.99 and be done.

Flexi Pro USB-C to USB-C Soft-Touch Silicone Fast Charge Cable - $14.99

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.



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A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 4's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Supply

  • Green: Things that make you human

  • Blue: Home furnishings

  • Purple: Contractions

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Equip

  • Green: Individuality

  • Blue: Furniture

  • Purple: Words With Apostrophes Removed

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #512 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Equip: FURNISH, OUTFIT, PROVISION, STOCK

  • Individuality: BEING, CHARACTER, EGO, SELF

  • Furniture: CHEST, CONSOLE, VANITY, WARDROBE

  • Words With Apostrophes Removed: CANT, ID, SHELL, WERE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.



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an nfl football upside down on a field

NFL RedZone appeared to be having issues during Sunday's Week 9 slate of games.

Users online reported choppy, blurry, or nearly unwatchable streams. And it might not be just a streaming issue or something wrong with a certain provider. My RedZone was freezing and buffering, even though it is through my cable provider. (Yes, I am a millennial with cable).

Here is a sampling of some of the posts about RedZone.

It's not quite clear what may be going wrong. Users online described all their other channels working correctly — and it's the same for me. All of my other channels are working well, while the RedZone channel is choppy, buffering, and impossible to watch.

There was a spike in reports of issues with NFL Network on Down Detector around 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, which is when the first slate of games kicked off. (There's no page to report RedZone so that might be the closest proxy.)

screenshot of spike in issues of nfl network
Credit: Screenshot: Down Detector

My own RedZone was going in and out, so if yours isn't working it might be worth retrying it. We'll update if any information surfaces on why folks might be having issues.

Mashable has reached out to the NFL's media team and will update if we get a response.



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a phone displaying Wordle

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 3's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A fierce fire.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BLAZE.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.



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