Stress Management Know when you are suffering from too much stress. Learn to identify the physical, emotional, mental and psychological symptoms. Develop your own plan for managing your distress. Learn what works for you and do more of it. Talk to someone who can listen well. Meet with a trusted friend or counselor. Counseling is an act of courage and love for yourself and your loved ones. Stop being concerned about what others think You will never please all the people all the time no matter how hard you try. It is okay to do what you need to do to be healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Breathe! Learn to breathe like a relaxed person taking lots of slow, deep breaths, outdoors if possible. This serves to keep you in the present moment. Decide to stay calm Learn to contain your anger and anxiety. There are good books on both topics or work with a counselor. Discipline your thinking Learn not to "horribilize" the future: deal with one thing at a time and stay in the moment rather than living in the past or the future. Talk to yourself in a positive way Learn to focus on the things that are positive. Focus on what you can do Learn to let go of what you cannot do anything about. Avoid isolating yourself from those who care about you Learn to accept help when it is available Avoid excessive eating, drinking, smoking and drug use Exercise Learn to develop a regular program of aerobic exercise Ask for help before you need it Call National Catholic Rural Life Conference (515-270-2634) for the name of a rural life associate near you, Iowa Concern Hotline (1-800-447-1985), American Red Cross (www.iowa.org/redcross) a counselor, or someone you know to be supportive. Have faith Studies show people who have a strong belief system in a higher power weather life’s storms more easily. Reference: "Farm Family Stress,"Catholic Rural Life Conference, Diocese of London, Ontario, Canada. We are interested in your questions and comments. Contact Cece Arnold, ncrlcca@mchsi.com, 515-270-2634, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, 4625 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310-2199