Navigating Turbulent Times: 8 Strategies for Managing Stress in 2025

In today's world of political uncertainty, economic challenges, and an unrelenting news cycle, it's more important than ever to prioritize our mental health and well-being. Here are some practical strategies to help you cope with the stresses of our current times:

1. Limit news consumption
   Set boundaries on your media intake. Choose specific times to check news updates and avoid constant "doom-scrolling." Consider using apps that block access to social media or news sites for set periods

2. Practice mindfulness and relaxation
   Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle stretching. These can help reduce stress and improve your overall mental state.

3. Maintain a routine
   Stick to a daily schedule that includes self-care activities. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and consistent sleep patterns can provide stability during uncertain times.

4. Seek community support
   Connect with others who share your concerns. Engaging in healthy communication and finding community can help strengthen positive values and shared identities.

5. Take action within your control
   Focus on aspects of your life you can influence. This might include connecting with friends, local community involvement, or pursuing hobbies that bring you joy.

6. Practice self-compassion
   Recognize that it's normal to feel stressed or anxious. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you may need extra time or support to complete tasks.

7. Engage in physical activity
   Regular exercise can help ease stress, boost mood, and improve self-esteem. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days, even if broken into shorter sessions. It doesn’t even have to be “exercise” - if you know me, you know I love to dance as my form of physical activity.

8. Seek professional support
   If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or counselor for additional guidance and support.

Remember, while we can’t control our external events, we can control our responses to them. By implementing these strategies, we can build resilience and maintain our well-being even in challenging times.

Sending love,

Dr. Valencia Porter

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