Gold Rollboards 
April is National Stress Awareness Month and we are helping to promote the cause by sharing these tips for managing stress. These tips were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandlingStress/.
Tips for Self Care
The best ways to manage stress in hard times are through self-care:
Avoid drugs and alcohol. They may seem to be a temporary fix to feel better, but in the long run they can create more problems and add to your stress—instead of take it away.
Find support. Seek help from a partner, family member, friend, counselor, doctor, or clergyperson. Having a sympathetic, listening ear and sharing about your problems and stress really can lighten the burden.
Connect socially. After a stressful event, it is easy to isolate yourself. Make sure that you are spending time with loved ones. Consider planning fun activities with your partner, children, or friends.
Take care of yourself.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Exercise regurlary
- Get plenty of sleep
- Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out - for example, treat yourself to a therapeutic massage
- Maintain a normal routine
Stay active. You can take your mind off your problems by giving— helping a neighbor, volunteering in the community, even taking the dog on a long walk. These can be positive ways to channel your feelings.