Hello, Spangdahlem family!

Please take care of yourselves! Take care of your bodies and take care of your brains and hearts! Our children are watching us for how to handle stress. Acknowledge feelings, talk, keep informed (but do NOT stay on social media/news 24 hours a day!).

So many things are out of our control right now. Take care of the things you can control:

· Routine: Keep your daily routine as much as possible

· Eat/Drink: Eat well and drink lots of water

· Sleep: Get enough sleep at night (for school-age children: 9-11 hours/night; teens: 8-10 hours/night; adults: 7-8+ hours/night)

· Move: make time for exercise: make an obstacle course in the house; check out streaming exercise classes; Wii anyone?

· Creativity: arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, music, reading, cooking, fixing things!

· Peacefulness: time for silence, prayer, meditation, mindfulness, journaling, etc.

Ideas for managing stress:

· Take time for yourself (and with each of your children and your spouse if possible) – even if it’s just in another room in the house

· Limit social media/screen time in general

· Self-care/Fun: make a point to do things you enjoy – but don’t go overboard!

· Be patient – with yourself and with others – everyone reacts to stress a little differently

· Focus on the positives (rather than things we don’t have right now) – sharing “an attitude of gratitude” with your family (and/or a journal) is a great way

· Use positive self-talk: We can do this! I’m getting better at …!

· Think of ways you can help others – video chats/calls/cards to others, etc. – especially those who are even more isolated!

Remember: you are not alone! It’s okay to feel stressed/worried/overwhelmed! Reach out to someone!

I am available for support and consultation. My contact information is: Keela.Stoneking@dodea.edu.