The rapidly approaching election is making some Minnesotans tense. To get your mind off of what you can't control, we're offering up these suggestions for diversions.

Find comfort in food

Start your ovens! It's never too early to bake ahead for the holidays, and our cookie finder lets you search for ingredients you have on hand.

It's also not too early to sample pizza so you know what to order for election night. We rounded up the best pies in town to get you started.

Combine mini-golf, pinball or pickleball with your meal to burn off some nervous energy at these eatertaineries.

Something about going out for burgers feels normal. So go out for burgers.

We know stress can be exhausting. If you need a pick-me-up, we rounded up great coffee drinks for National Coffee Day, and they're still tasty in your time of need.

, The Associated Press
Mary Tyler Moore portrayed TV news producer Mary Richards in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which was set in Minneapolis.

Be entertained

You know what's comforting? Nostalgia. And movies. Combine them and check out these very Minnesota flicks.

There's nothing like a good murder mystery to get your mind working. Check out this whole new literature genre, perfect for couch or bathtub reading.

Immerse yourself in music to switch up your mood; we rounded up the best local releases so far this year.

Remember a golden era of news and television by streaming "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," famously set in Minneapolis and famously funny. We dare you not to laugh at the Chuckles Bites the Dust episode.

Get the answers to questions you didn't even know you had with our Curious Minnesota compilation — the rabbit hole is deep and deeply distracting in this reader-driven reporting project.

Boost your endorphins

You know what makes things better? Pets. Read Laura Yuen's columns about losing a deeply beloved pet and the joy her family is finding with a new puppy. If that's not enough, scroll through the winners of our 2024 Halloween pet costume contest. Or read about pop star Pink fostering a puppy named Graham Cracker from a local rescue organization.

Human stories lift spirits, too, like the one about Mark Rosen finding love again after he lost his wife. Or the one about William Cope Moyers facing down opioid addiction.

Get outside and take a walk around Minneapolis' lakes, or take a drive to one of Minnesota's gorgeous waterfalls, or head to the Iron Range to bike the ever-hotter Mesabi Trail.

Finally, why not get pampered? Now's the time to splurge on some self-care. We have spas aplenty both locally and regionally, as well as a hot sauna scene and communal baths.

We'll get through this, Minnesota.