What a week. It has been a very difficult time, but we cannot lose hope! Remember to do the things that make you happy or make you feel at peace. I understand there are certain issues, especially right now, that won’t go away overnight, but you must think of your present self. Soothe every part of your being; mentally, physically, spiritually and socially . Here are a few things I like to do to keep myself sane:

1. Walk on the sunny side of the street. The vitamin D will do you all sorts of good!  http://www.self.com/story/sunlight-benefits
2. Remember that you are a winner…In the very beginning of your days, you were the one that won the race. You are here on purpose.
3. Scream. My friends and I find scream therapy very helpful. Scream into a pillow if that’s all you can do, but there’s something about just letting it out. Just don’t scare your neighbors.
4. Sing. In the shower, in the car, while cooking, while walking down the street, in front of an audience at your local karaoke bar…sing, like nobody’s there but you.
5. Listen to music that reminds you of a good day. The beauty of sense memory. Everyone has a song that they associate to a happy memory, here is mine from Europe.
6. Run, Dance, Exercise. Endorphins are wonderful, the only addiction you need.
7. Stretch, do yoga. Try not to think, just focus on your body.
8. Read or watch a movie. Put yourself in a different world. We must always face reality but it’s okay to take a small vacation from it.
9. Write. Put your thoughts on paper. Read them back. Discover how the weight of your problems change over time.
10. Blog. Put your thoughts out there for the world, within reason 🙂 Ask for feedback if you feel like you want it.
11. Call your mom or your best friend.
12. Breathe. In through your nose, out through your mouth.
13. Be in the present. Nothing matters except for right now. Just be, for a while. Recognize the natural beauty of our planet.

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