Change can be stressful! As millions of us are experiencing major life changes we realize it can be hard to accept. It seems that most of us have a lot of questions while answers remain looming and unanswered.

Everyone reacts to stress in different ways which we will outline below. During this read we want each of you to know, you are not alone. In fact during this time we encourage you to reach out to friends and family and express what you are going through and likewise, be a great listener to their situation.

If you see someone on social tag #withyou to let them know, you’re with them in thought or a FaceTime away if they need you.

Stress Response Can Include:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  
• Worsening of chronic health problems
  

• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
  

If you have been experiencing any of these, we’re #withyou. But now that we’ve recognized it, what can you do today to flip that negative into a positive?

Here are 3 ways to stay positive [plus a couple of extras from our founders vault]

Take A Break

Has anyone else felt like watching the newsfeed on Facebook or any media outlet feels like they’re watching a pot of cold water turn into boil? TAKE A BREAK. Give yourself hours of the day you want to catch up on the progress. Watching it minute by minute increases anxiety because you are waiting for the unknown.

Unwind

Allow yourself to find a project you want to start. Read a book. Spend a couple of extra minutes with your kids school work, or do something you enjoy. Your anxiousness heeds negativity that can turn into frustration.

Take Care Of Yourself

Mind, body and soul. Go outside, take a deep breath, go for a walk if you can or just listen to some music around the house. Taking care of your mental health is the most important start to taking care of yourself. It starts within. Eat healthy, take vitamins, meditate, journal. This projects a beautiful glow if you decide to do a face mask, hair mask, or tweeze your eyebrows. Hey it’s the little things that make us feel brighter!

Devin's Vault: Go For A Run

If I skip my run in the morning I get snippy. Not that I am the one to notice as much as my family but when they notice I am not laughing at spilled milk but instead get angry about it, they ask if I went for my run. I mostly fall guilty of not doing it during those times [I hate when they’re right!] In all actuality that morning run allows me to mentally and physically push myself to release endorphins, channel my thoughts negative or positive and lets me listen to music while taking in fresh air. This my friends is my secret weapon into sanity!

My Coffee Is My Time

Does this sound selfish? When I wake up -after the Good Mornings but before I feed my family I always make sure I have my cup of coffee first, without interruption. It doesn’t take me long to enjoy my Nespresso double shot with steamed oat milk but those first few moments when I wake up allow me to settle into my mind for my first thoughts. This has become a home routine. I have a boundary and respect that mom needs her coffee and will be present once I finish.
…. and then it’s go time!

Last but not least

SMILE

Psychology today had a study that shows when you smile it sends feedback to your brain to develop that emotion. So the next time you see an opportunity to smile I encourage you to do just that!

Peace and Love
#withyou