DID YOU KNOW that stress in small doses can be beneficial? It can motivate you. It can bring your attention to things that should have your attention. It can motivate you to take action to change a situation. It can help you learn to change how you deal with stressful situations by being more assertive, creating boundaries, or embracing more self-care.

DID YOU KNOW that persistent stress can cause inflammation, heart disease, and premature aging? It can cause depression, fatigue, digestive problems, skin problems, insomnia. It can impede concentration for children and adults and pave the way for illness by hampering the immune system. The longer it lasts, the more damaging it is to our body and mind.

DID YOU KNOW that, although stress is an unavoidable human response that we all experience, we can all get better at managing stress, lessening stress, and countering its damaging effects?

Here are some suggestions for proven ways to lessen stress during difficult times:

Get outside.
Talk to a friend on the phone and share your worries.
Aim for 8 hours of sleep.
Turn to your faith.
Tune in to your senses, which will slow down your brain.
Smell something comforting. Lavender, fresh baked cookies, popcorn, chocolate!
Look at photos that uplift you. Nature, babies, recipes you'd like to make, flowers.
Listen to music - soothing music or whatever music you like!
Work out. Exercise. A proven anti-depressant.
Laugh. It's healthy but not always easy. Find time for humor or favorite comedies.
Try yoga and relaxation exercises. Proven to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress.
Do 10 minutes of controlled breathing. Make the exhale longer than the inhale.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Practice gratitude. Focus on the many things you have to be grateful for.
Get better at facing facts while remaining calm.
Identify things that make you feel comforted and uplifted. Incorporate them into your day.
Identify what is at the root of your stress, so that you can better address it.
Find ways to let go when something is out of your control.
Make self-care a priority.
Make time for enjoyable activities every day.
Seek silver linings. Find ways to see positive aspects of things in your life.
Open your eyes to positive opportunities every day.
Attain a fresh perspective.
Be less self-centered and think more of others.
Ask for support when you need it.
Find simple joys even in the midst of harsh, changing realities.

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