According to the American Psychological Association, Americans are stressed. The poll found that 84% of those polled, experienced one emotion commonly associated with prolonged stress. The most common was anxiety, followed by sadness and anger. If 8 out of 10 people are stressed, what can we do to relieve some of it.
- We can practice gratitude daily. Look for 3 things each day that you are grateful or that were good on this day. Starting your day looking for good, sets a more positive mindset. Ending the day by reflecting on the good helps lower anxiety and sadness along with building resiliency.
- Give yourself permission to opt out of the news, social media, and/or negative people. Allow yourself permission to let go of negativity and focus on the present moment where you can create calm in the moment.
- Practice self-care by walking for 14-30 minutes. Practicing meditation using guided meditations available on apps on our smartphones for 10 or more minutes. Watch something that makes you laugh.
- Connect with others safely. Supporting one another builds resiliency and offers opportunity to give one another positive feedback.
- Make sure you give yourself the opportunity for a good night’s sleep. Your bedroom should be dark and cool enough to foster good sleep. Being rested positively affects our mood the following day.
- Lastly, if you are experiencing negative thoughts, take stock of the present moment and make changes if needed to calm yourself or ask a friend for perspective.
Many things that increase stress are outside our control although we have choices available to help us cope with the stress and build resiliency to bounce back. Making decisions to make positive change of the things within your control are also empowering. Here’s to a less stressful tomorrow.
