And, check out this new Helpline for issues with substance abuse or mental health: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/15/1111316589/988-suicide-hotline-numberNew 

With so much stress during the pandemic "stay at home" orders,  the disease itself, unemployment, and economic challenges, we know that many people are experiencing a lot of stress. Some people may drink excessively while others smoke or vape or use substances.  

Addiction is not the answer. These behaviors only temporarily relieve stress and cause even more problems in the long run; including social, health, safety, and financial costs. 

Keep checking back since we are going to keep posting stress reduction tips to help you get through these uncertain times without you supporting multi-national corporations that target the most vulnerable in our communities with candy-flavored addiction.

Here are some stress-busting tips:

1. Get enough rest, even if it means take extra rest breaks throughout the day.  This boosts immunity, memory recall, focus, moods and makes it easier to deal with the unexpected.

2. Listen to good music until you absorb it and hear it in your sleep.  Avoid "downer" songs.  Natural instruments and voices with uplifting themes can lift you out of discouragement.   Traditional music from various countries is often very upbeat.

3. Breathe more deeply and rhythmically when you feel anxious, instead of reaching for a cigarette, vape, or other addictive substance.  The Institute of HeartMath provides some great research on the power of using your breath and cognitive reframing to shift your mood. Institute of HeartMath: https://www.heartmath.org/research/ 

4.  Movement heals and restores your brain chemistry.  Walking in nature or exercising near an open window with sunlight provides a cascade of beneficial biochemical changes in your mind and body within minutes. 

5.  Use the opportunity to develop resilience. Honestly acknowledge stressful feelings but try to reframe what is happening, by reminding yourself that seemingly stressful situations may be temporary.  You can't change the circumstances but you do have control over how you respond. Be the idea of the hurricane during this storm. Reach out to assist and encourage others.  

6. Know when to seek help.  Talk to a friend. If you find yourself increasingly reaching for tobacco, vapes, or other substances, check out our resources at this link:  If you find yourself feeling increasingly depressed,  contact the California Warm Line for free, non-emergency support and referrals to California residents via the toll-free phone line at 855-845-7415. Warm Line peer workers can also be reached via instant message.

7.  A new program to help deal with Covid-19 related stress is Cal-Hope.  (833) 317-HOPE (4673). Check them out at: https://www.calhope.org/ 

UPDATE: The Institute of HeartMath is now waiving its sign-up fee due to Covid. Check out their complimentary stress reduction program here:  https://www.heartmath.org/  

8.   If you or another person experiences suicidal thoughts or ideations, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline:   800-273-8255.

If you know of someone who is struggling or has not been seen in a few days, and they don't respond to a phone call, feel free to call your local law enforcement officers to conduct a "welfare check."   

Together we can get ourselves, our families and communities through these challenging times. 

More resources: https://covid19.ca.gov/resources-for-emotional-support-and-well-being/