There are times when you may say to yourself, "I can't take it anymore. It's too much."

This a sign of being over-stressed and you maybe thinking that nothing will improve. The emotions of fear, anger, and sadness related to depression, anxiety or trauma may seem all consuming. You may have no interest in activities, being around people or going out of the house.

You may be challenged with financial issues, relationship issues, trauma memories, school, family, current abuse or violence, children, or physical health.

You are not alone, many people deal with the same emotions, problems, challenges daily.

"I have found the following techniques powerful in improving negative moods

and inspiring a positive outlook for my client's and myself. The challenging situations do not change, but our ability to manage them does improve.

When we have a positive mindset, we are able to think clearly, make better decisions and handle negative situations as they occur."

According to Shawn Achor,

when you practice these 5 things for the 21 days in a row,

You will change your mood and begin to experience happiness.

1. Start every day listing 3 new things you are grateful for in your life or the world.

Get a small book or journal and keep a record of your gratitude list.

2. End every day by writing a short paragraph about something positive that

happened during the past 24 hours.

Writing this and making a gratitude list daily will begin to change your outlook and you will begin to unconsciously search for the positive in life.

3. Do something for someone else without expecting anything in return.

It can be as simple as writing a note of appreciation for a person in your life, smiling at people when you pass them, letting someone in line ahead of you in the store or car, pay for someone's coffee behind you, texting a positive quote to a person in a difficult situation.

4. Exercise to tell your body it is important and you care about yourself.

Make 10-20 minutes a day to do movement, yoga, walk, swim, bike or exercise

at the gym to honor yourself. If you have any medical problem, please speak with your health caregiver before starting any exercise routine. The focus is to honor your body, not to harm it.

5. Calm yourself through Mediation and deep breathing.

Take some time, start with 5 minute, daily to focus on deep belly breathing and relaxation.There are many YouTube videos that can help you with meditation and deep breathing.

You can watch Shawn’s YouTube video TEDxBloomington - Shawn Achor - "The Happiness Advantage: Linking Positive Brains to Performance" to hear Shawn describe why these steps work.

You will laugh and learn: https://youtu.be/GXy__kBVq1M

Please contact me if you are interested in learning new ways to manage challenges and difficulties you may be experiencing.

If you are feeling hopeless or helpless & are having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, there is help available right now.

Please call 911 and tell them how you are feeling and that you need help. You will be able to get immediate care. The social worker at the facility will help you

set up with ongoing professional counseling to help you change your life.