10 Tips for Reducing Stress

By Dr. David Shern

On behalf of Mental Health America, it's a pleasure for me to introduce a new campaign we have developed to help you and others deal with the stressful times in which we live.

We recognize that we live in extremely challenging times and are more determined to help people protect their mental health and improve their well-being.  That's why this month we have launched a new program, called Live Your Life Well^SM, which provides 10 evidence-based tools that you can use to combat chronic stress.

If you visit the website-www.LiveYourLifeWell.org-you will find in-depth but easy to understand information on these 10 Tools:

• Connect with Others. Research suggests that people who feel connected are happier and healthier - and may even live longer.
• Stay Positive. People who regularly focus on the positive in their lives are less upset by painful memories.
• Get Physically Active. Exercise relieves tense muscles, improves mood and sleep, and increases energy and strength.
• Help Others. Research suggests that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm and fewer pains.
• Get Enough Rest. People who don't get enough sleep face a number of possible health risks, including weight gain, decreased memory, impaired driving and heart problems.
• Create Joy and Satisfaction. Positive emotions can boost a person's ability to bounce back from stress.
• Eat Well. Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases and influence mood.
• Take Care of Your Spirit. People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer. Spirituality seems to cut the stress that can contribute to disease.
• Deal Better with Hard Times. People who get support, problem-solve or focus on the positives in their lives are likely to handle tough times better.
• Get Professional Help if You Need It. If the problems in life are stopping a person from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference.

These free tools, which are supported by a strong body of research, can be used to promote individual resiliency during major life changes or times of stress.  Just as we have learned that there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of heart disease or other illnesses, there are tool people can use to protect their mental health in tough times and also to improve their mental well-being throughout their lives.

We are launching Live Your Life Well^SM this month in observance of Mental Health Month, which Mental Health America started over 60 years ago. Live Your Life Well^SM represents just one example of our groundbreaking work to help all people live full and productive lives.  For more information, visit www.LiveYourLifeWell.org.

For a century, Mental Health America has worked to promote the health and well-being of people living with a mental health condition.  From fighting stigma and discrimination to improving access to services, we are working to help all Americans live mentally healthier lives.