By Pat Ingelse, Assistant Vice President, PMP

These are such stressful times for all of us. We’re in uncharted territory, and we don’t have a road map to help us navigate our way through it. Or do we? Here are a few tips on tapping into your inner “map” to reduce stress and anxiety.

Don’t ask “What if?” This is probably the worst question to ask yourself in the middle of a stressful situation. It only leads to thinking about things that haven’t happened and that may never take place. Focus on the facts — what is actually happening now.

Stay positive. Sometimes this is easier said than done, I know. In difficult times, your mind can go in a hundred different directions, some more negative than others. The more that happens, the harder it is to make realistic decisions. So stop, take a deep breath, and turn your thoughts to something positive, no matter how small.

Breathe. This is the best way to level out the stress. Simply stop what you are doing, take a deep, slow breath, and then exhale deeply and slowly as well. Let your shoulders drop and take another deep breath. Feel your body relax a little, your mind slowing down a little, too. Your breath is a perfect anchor when things get crazy.

Disconnect. Pull away from social media and the news for a while. Give your mind a little break. Take that time to go for a walk, listen to some good music, read a book. When you give yourself a little breathing space, it enables you to see the situation with a more realistic eye.

If you are looking for other ways to refocus, check out the Wellness/Body intranet page. There are a variety of meditations and one-minute reads to help quiet the mind. And don’t forget our Superhero page either! Sometimes it helps to talk with someone who has gone through something similar. If you are interested in adding your name to the list of superheroes, please fill out the Outlook template on the page.