Reduce your reaction to stress:

• Limit caffeine and other stimulants
• Slow down
• Do NOTHING for a few minutes each day
• Take a holiday from the news
• Spend time with people and pets that are calming
• Keep the sound down
• Sleep 6-9 hours each night – make a nighttime routine
• Eat 6 small meals a day – 3 meals, 3 snacks
• Remember to breathe
• Humor is a powerful healer
• Change your environment
• Take up a hobby – read – play like a child
• Force a smile
• Cultivate kindness

Ask for help:

• Don’t ignore negative feelings
• Evaluate your depression level – if you are feeling down more days than not, talk to someone