Getting Through When Things Are Tough - Do Something!

I'm getting to the point where I don't even want to turn on the news. Several times this week I started my day hearing about shootings, bombings, fires, and now vans. It's enough to make you want to stay in bed and pull the covers over your head! Or hit something!

Neither response helps you or anyone else, though. So you get up and keep going, even when you feel overwhelmed and powerless. What can you to to make a difference - for yourself, for your family, for your community?
The most important thing is to do something. Staying still is to be stuck, to be hopeless. Instead, do something different each day. It doesn't have to be a huge change -

• Smile on your commute to work or school (and turn off talk radio). Research shows that smiling helps change your mood and the attitude of those around you.
• Cuddle with your children, pets, and/or significant other. Research shows that humans need physical contact to confirm that they're connected and loved.
• Take a break, especially in nature. I know it's hot, but get out early and/or in the shade. Being in the natural world has uplifting effects on mood and attitude.
• Take care of yourself. The "put your own oxygen on first" story is well-known for a reason - it's true! At Pfeiffer Institute Reach you can talk to a competent professional at an affordable rate. You might be surprised how much better it can feel to talk to someone who's there to listen.
• Help someone else. Volunteer, pay it forward, help load groceries for a stranger - something to remind yourself that you can make a difference, even if it doesn't make the news.

Let's hope the news gets better soon. In the meantime, do what you can to take care of yourself and your neighbor. Come see us to Reach for a better tomorrow!

Free Stress Management Workshop - Saturday, October 24, 10:30am-12:30pm

A Stressful Week

What a week it's been! Our front AC unit went out on Monday - the entire unit had to be replaced, and the supervisor to approve this was on vacation. We were short-staffed in the office so there were changes in schedules and long days. Both printers went out and needed new parts ordered - TWICE! Sometimes it seems like everything that can go wrong - does! And that's just the job-related stuff! Murphy is alive and well, I guess. It's enough to make you wonder how much you can handle, and how sane you'll be by the end!

Luckily, Reach has great resources: Even as I write this, the AC unit is being fixed (3 trucks of ARS techs - thank you!). We have helpful office staff, and interns who step up to cover the front when needed. We were able to order the printer parts online and they arrived the next day.

I can also choose to find the bright side of stressful situations:

• It was a little cooler yesterday and last night, so the front office was bearable in the mornings. The back AC units helped cool the whole suite, so at least the session rooms were comfortable. 
• We were short-staffed for a very positive reason - a baby was born healthy and mom did great. The employee was able to take time off, and will be back on schedule soon.
• Any printing that had to be done immediately was emailed to the campus and taken care of in no time.

Still, all these changes and frustrations - much less the heat! - can make anyone feel stressed and overwhelmed! If you've got a lot going on, particularly if you're having trouble coping or seeing any bright side, please come to our FREE Stress Management Workshop next Saturday, July 25, from 10:30am-12pm. You will learn about important skills (mindfulness, guided meditation), share with others, and receive a voucher for a FREE therapy session at Reach. Reserve your spot today: call 919-941-2900 or email contact@pfeifferreach.org.