It’s been an intense week for most people with a contentious election cycle that left many people out of sorts. What do you do to decompress?

More many it’s the healing power of nature. For me it’s a nice hike with my dogs- in the woods or along the beach-but just outside in the country will do it for me. I center and calm. It’s about the only time my brain slows down a bit.

There are some things that can help us reduce the effects of stress in our lives.

• Remove labels of what you think you can or can’t do, tell yourself you can be and do anything you set out to do. Self-talk with positive intentions is powerful.

• Be aware of your thoughts and feelings: if you are aware, then you can change-if need be-and improve. Part of this is learning to express yourself in positive ways. Pause for a moment to check in with your feelings and decide if they are appropriate for the circumstances. Learn to express yourself, as bottling feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety, can cause emotional and physical problems. Sometimes your family and friends are your best source for help and sometimes they may not understand or be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. At these times, ask someone else–such as your family doctor, a school counselor or a religious advisor–for help.
• Pause: some call this being mindful. Whether it is chewing slowly or being aware of your feelings and the feelings of others, sometimes just pausing to check in with yourself can be helpful. What am I really feeling? Anger or hurt? …As one example.

• Pursuit of purpose: find what your passion is, what drives you and live that life. Sometimes we don’t find our purpose, it finds us. Be cognizant and open.
• Think positive thoughts: you’ll be healthier and happier as will those around you.

• Many of us obsess about the problems at school or home that lead to negative feelings. Deal with these negative feelings, but focus on the positive things in your life too. There are many studies that have shown that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and improve your health.

• Be of service: you feel good when you help others.

• Develop resilience. People with resilience are able to cope with stress in healthier ways. Resilience can be learned and strengthened with social support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting inevitable change and keeping things in perspective.

• Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, exercising, stretching or breathing deeply can help. Ask e health practitioner for advice about relaxation methods.

• Take care of yourself! To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by eating regular, healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising to relieve tension. Avoid overeating and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol.