b'negativethoughts,yourebetterequippedtoshift them to emphasize the positive. For example, instead of I dont deserve this raise, tweak the thought to I worked hard for this recognition. Take time to reflect. With todays jam-packed schedules, PRESIDENTSmost people dont take time to mark or mourn what theyre losing before diving into something new. MESSAGERather than numb feelings of sadness with new distractions,giveyourthoughtsavoice.Writeina journal, talk with a trusted friend or make an appointment with a therapist. You might even Greeting MICA members!considerhonoringthelosswithascrapbook,quilt, poem or painting. IstartedmytermaspresidenttalkingabouttheStrive to maintain some normalcy. Structure and routine changes that happen over time and honoring ourare comforting, so the more you can maintain your traditions. A big thing that leads to is stress. I will nottried-and-true routine in the midst of a change, the even try to claim to be an expert in stress, but stress isbetter off youll be. Go for your usual morning walk, somethingweallliveanddealwithaspartofourvisit the same coffee shop (if you can) and try to stick professional lives. I know I do.to your normal sleeping, waking and eating times. Createsomecomfort.Incorporatestress-relievingand I thought this would be a good opportunity to share aenjoyable activities into your day. Listen to relaxing listfromtheBritishHeartFoundationthatseemedmusic, meditate, go to the gym or take a warm bath. very helpful. It doesnt matter what you do as long as its comforting to youand healthy. Avoid quieting 6 Strategies For Coping With Changetroubling emotions with unhealthy behaviors such as by Kimberlydawn Wisdom MDsmoking, drinking and gambling. And dont be afraid toaskforhelp,whetherfromatrustedfriendora Change is inevitable. Youll inherit newtherapist. responsibilitiesatwork,yourmarriagemaygoCount your blessings. Whether you just received a through trials and your roles in life will shift. Evendifficult diagnosis or youre about to start a new job, positivechangesapromotion,birth/adoptionorcountingyourblessingsinagratitudejournalor new homecan cause inner turmoil. From personalsharing the top three highlights of your day with a shifts to a changing political climate, adjusting to afamily member at dinner can go a long way toward new normal can be challenging. You may feel a mixmaking you feel less depleted. Even during difficult of emotions ranging from joy to sadness andtimesthingslikenoticingastarryskyorbeautiful depression.sunset or watching a colorful butterfly can act almost like a reset button for your mind. With nearly every kind of change, stress is part of theIts not uncommon for stress to mount slowly. You might equation. Trouble is, when youre stressed, the pillarsnot even recognize it in yourself. The best assessment of ofhealthylivingeatingwell,exercise,sleepandyour level of stress may be monitoring the comments of social timetend to fall off your priority list. A betterthepeoplearoundyou.Sopayattentionwhenfriends, approach is to navigate tumultuous times with thesecolleaguesandfamilymembersmentionthatyouseem six tips.irritable or distressed. Most importantly, build a reserve Plan ahead. If you know change is on the horizon, doof personal resources so youre equipped to navigate a some prep work. Think about what you might dochange when it strikes. Eat well, exercise, get sufficient when an elderly parent falls ill. If your companyshut-eye. Otherwise, even something minor can set you hasbeenthroughrecentlayoffs,considerhowoff. youllnavigateajobchange.Changeisless stressfulwhenyouhaveacontingencyplanin place. Reframe your thinking. Figure out whats going on in your mind when youre feeling sad and breakPresidents Message negative patterns. Once you become aware of Continued to page 14 2'