There’s a lot going on in the world. For me, it’s both personal and professional. April represents a relentless month of training, educating professionals, supporting my team, and a great deal of personal upheavals. People keep asking me, “How do you do it?” “Are you ok?” And so, I’m going to tell you exactly how I get through stressful times. 

1. One day at a time. When life feels overwhelming, I simply focus on the day in front of me. I attempt to be one-minded, which means focusing on the next thing in front of me. So, that might mean focusing on a meeting, a drive, training, showing up for my kids, or making dinner. During April, I’m moving hour to hour, moment to moment, day by day. In fact, I’m so focused that when friends or family ask me about plans in June, or even plans for the next week, I respond with, “I just need to get through today.” When I have moments to plan for the future, I take advantage of that time, sit down, and intentionally schedule where I’m going to be and where I need support.
2. Lean on people. I am incredibly fortunate to have a solid village around me. In my personal life, my friends and family are rock stars. For instance, as my best friend was sitting in a car on a long trek to a soccer tournament, she helped me find pet care during travel. My mom is flying out to help me through graduation and planning. My husband takes over the rodeo plans, meals, and shuttling animals. And on the professional front, I have a DREAM TEAM! My team arranges hotels, meals, printing, and holds down the fort for meetings. They also protect and block my time, whenever possible, so that I can have breathing space. When we’re at trainings together, we pre-huddle and look out for each other, making sure we have time to eat, use the bathroom, and get hydrated. Mostly, I’m trying to say YES to help. 
3. Don’t borrow worry. There are SO many things out of my control right now. Whew. It’s hard for someone like me to feel so helpless and uncertain. If I allowed myself, I could spend ALL of my energy worrying about issues that I have no power over. So, instead, I’m trying to focus on what I CAN do. I’m advocating for early childhood when I can. I’m supporting healthcare professionals. I’m offering meaningful trainings. At home, I can make healthy dinners, love my family, and stand in the sun during breaks. I’m focusing on what I can control so that my energy is well-spent on activities that give me purpose and hope. 
4. Rest. Rest is not only sleeping. Rest for me looks like this: Taking small sips of coffee out of the first cup instead of rushing. Standing in the sun during breaks for a few minutes. Watching my dogs chase each other. Protecting my nighttime routine and getting into bed with a good book or cuddling next to my husband. Rest is laughing with a friend. Rest is loading up my online shopping cart, dreaming, then emptying it. Rest is breathing in while I hug my son or daughter. Rest is restorative. 
5. Move. Moving my body is imperative. As soon as I start moving, I can feel my entire nervous system calm down. I don’t use any recreational drugs, I don’t smoke, and I rarely drink alcohol. So, movement is medicine for me. It’s a way of coping. As soon as I start to walk, I can breathe. When I lift heavy weights, I feel strength. When I spin on my Peloton and get coached or lifted up, I feel free. 

I know I said I’d offer five, but here’s a bonus: LAUGH. I was with my friend, laughing so hard, I was crying. Oh my. I love my friends so hard! Laughter is the best medicine for stress. Please, find friends and loved ones who make you laugh. 

Friends – take care of yourselves. Tell me what you’re doing to persevere during hard times.