Mental Health Awareness Month: Gentle ways to manage stress and worry; From Veterans Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions (SLS)

Stress and worry are common, especially when life changes start stacking up. Health concerns, caregiving, retirement, grief, financial pressure, or feeling isolated can all impact how we feel day to day. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share a few practical tools to use in the moment when things feel heavy.

Try one of these quick resets: 
1. The 60-second breath: Inhale for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat 5 times. 
2. Name five things: Look around and name five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste. 
3. “One thing I can do today”: Pick one manageable step, like making a call, taking a short walk, or starting a load of laundry. 
4. Worry time (yes, really): Set a 10-minute timer to write worries down, then stop when the timer ends. 

If stress or anxiety is sticking around, affecting sleep, appetite, focus, or motivation, that is a sign you might benefit from support. You do not have to figure it out alone. 

If someone you know is struggling, reaching out can make a difference. Anyone can make a referral to the Senior Life Solutions program, including self-referrals, primary care physicians, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, and nursing or residential facilities.

Anyone who would like more information can call 563-568-5560 or visit https://www.veteransmemorialhospital.com/services/senior_life_solutions/.