De-Stressing in Stressful Times: Get SASSY

Living in unprecedented stressful times, managing our #stress and #anxiety is more important than ever, and there are definitely simple things you can do to help.

When the clock struck midnight six months ago, many of us thought we would be celebrating the roaring 20s all over again. They are roaring alright, but not in ways we imagined back then.

With a global pandemic, massive unemployment, social justice convulsions, and worldwide economic distress, 2020 could be renamed "The Year of Hanging on by our Fingernails."

The accumulation of #stress over a period of time is more dangerous than most people realize, While we think of #stress as a mental challenge that has to be met, its roots reach deep into our bodies, affecting how it functions, and potentially leading to serious illness and even death. We must learn to manage it to protect our mental - and physical - health.

What Can I do to De-Stress?

Let's keep it simple and easy to remember. There are countless ways to relieve stress, but here we will share just 5. If you can incorporate these into your daily routine, you will be on your way to calming yourself and finding you can manage the crazy challenges that life is throwing your way. For now, just keep it #SASSY.

S - Structure your day. Same wake-up and bedtimes, real family meals if possible, organized times for work and leisure. Make a schedule and keep it.

A - Activity. Get outside every day and walk, bike, play tennis or basketball, ride a bike, swim, kayak - you name it! Just find some way to stay active and do it.

S - Sleep! Yes, you have official permission to make sure you get enough of it. Adults need 7-8 hours per night, and while it can be very tough to craft out a healthy night's sleep, do what you can. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking at the same time in the morning will help you get there.

S - Support. Identify your team. Who in your world can be there to give you love, a listening ear, and the support and encouragement you need? Let them do it.

Y - Yoga/Meditation/Mindfulness. Yoga is a fantastic and data-proven success at relieving stress. It calms the mind and works out the body. If you haven't tried it, now is the time. If you have, then it is a great time to go back. If not yoga, any form of calm and meditation will be a great step forward.