Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2020

6 Tell a good listener. Everyone has a bad day—and it may help to talk about yours with loved ones or trusted friends. You’ll face the next day a bit stronger with their love and support. Sources: HelpGuide; National Institute of Mental Health 2 Take charge— when you can. It’s important to realize that you can’t control all the stressors in your life. Identify the ones you can, and focus on changing them. If you’re prone to procrastinating, for instance, break big projects into smaller tasks. If talking to a relative makes you tense, limit how much and how often you talk. 3 Nurture your body. Do you tend to head to the couch with your tablet or TV remote after a hectic day? Opt for a walk—even for 10 minutes—instead. Exercise releases mood-lifting endorphins. Eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and too much caffeine are other healthy ways to cope with stress. 5 Recharge your sense of joy. Even if your schedule seems maxed-out, try to squeeze in time for activities you enjoy. Maybe that’s working on a hobby, seeing a movie or having dinner with a friend. 4 Bring on the calm. Develop a list of go-to strategies for relieving stress when it strikes. Frazzled by a deadline? Close your eyes and sit quietly for a few minutes. Stuck in traffic? Turn on upbeat music to tune out tension. Exhausted after a long day at work? Take a warm shower to help ease tense muscles. If your stress is overwhelming, our mental health professionals can help. Call Southside Medical Center Behavioral Heath for an appointment: 417-326-7840 . citizensmemorial.com 9