STAY SAFE. STAY WELL: SIMPLE WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS

Your mental health matters.

Life is insanely weird right now. We're all in a state of uncertainty, and across the world, we are facing stressful, triggering experiences.

Everyone copes with stress differently, but I encourage you to find healthy ways, and that will improve the quality of your life.

Here are some ways that I cope with stress:

DISCONNECT Take a break from the news and social media. We are bombarded with so much content; from the TV, our computers and our phones.

There are excellent resources out there, but there is also a ton that doesn't edify us. If you find your self overwhelmed by the endless news reports or continually comparing your success to the success of others on Instagram, disconnect for a while. It's ok to take a break and protect your mental space.

SLEEP

A lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Get adequate sleep, but try to avoid oversleeping. With boredom and extra time, we can easily fall into the trap of sleeping more than your body needs, which can, in return, cause more tiredness and stress. Set your alarm in the morning and stick to your routine. WATCH YOUR DIET I am notoriously guilty of stress eating. It can be so easy to rely on your favorite food or ice cream for comfort. Though it may be a temporary fix, stress eating will only lead to you feeling worse in the end. Keep a balanced diet and incorporate foods that are calming. Right now, I love lavender and Elderflower tea. TALK IT OUT

Talking to a friend or someone you trust can help. I keep my family and my girls close, especially in a time like this. Physical isolation does not have to mean social isolation. Schedule weekly zoom dates and talk about how you're feeling or talk about the things you enjoy. You'd be amazed by how much this will help. Your mental health is SO IMPORTANT. Don't put it off or ignore it. Invest in yourself. Ask for help. Accept the bad days, but look forward to the good ones. Xo,

Jessica