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Two years ago, the August Message from the Board was about coping with stress and focusing on issues over which we have control. How prophetic that message is, now that we are all trying not to freak out about the uncertain future. Who would have thought we would be concerned about stocking up on food, toilet paper, masks, and cleaning products? Who would have predicted we would be watching basketball and hockey in August? We are all suffering with "COVID fatigue." An article in the August 2020 Consumer Reports, "How to Soothe Your Soul," offered several pointers to help us feel calmer and more centered as we cope with our current situation: Eat, Sleep Exercise: Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet can help you manage stress and reduce anxiety, and they maintain a strong immune system. Ongoing stress leads to elevated levels of cortisol, which can make you feel more hungry. Before you give in to a food craving, ask yourself whether you are actually hungry or if you're instead feeling frustrated, sad, empty, or lonely? Exercise doesn't mean you need to do a marathon. Even a 15-minute walk can lift your mood. Lack of sleep and an abundance of stress can create a vicious cycle. Basic bedroom sleep hygiene includes keeping the room cool and dark, and staying off electronics before bed. These are a good place to start. Keep Up Key Connections: Whatever groups are most important to you — religious congregations, sports buddies, neighbors — try to stay in touch. Use technology, if available, to have live conversations or to access recorded programs and events. Be In The Moment: It's hard right now not to wonder how the pandemic will be resolved, but thinking shorter-term has been found to be a more useful way to handle stress. Try to simultaneously plan ahead about what you can control, and stay in the moment mindfully. Mindfulness, which has been defined as staying focused on the present, has long been known to help reduce stress. Mapping out and following a plan for the week or just the next day can also help because it gives you a sense of control. Plan For A Positive Future: It may feel like we've all spent an eternity social distancing, but so far, it has been only about five months out of a lifetime. The pandemic will eventually end. Project your mind into the future: plan a vacation, an anniversary party, or other event you are looking forward to. Do Good To Feel Good: Hardship can be easier to bear when you feel it's for the good of the larger community. Research shows that giving to others in some way can make you feel less stressed — whether it's sewing masks or shopping for an at-risk neighbor. Nuzzle Up To Nature: Feeling a connection with nature can have real restorative effects on your sense of well-being. That's especially true if you can get a little exercise while you're outside. If you are stuck indoors, sitting near a window that providers sunlight can help improve your sleep and quality of life which, in turn, can ease feelings of anxiety. Breathe… Deeply: Making a conscious effort to breathe slowly and deeply is an effective way to relieve anxiety and stress — aim for five to six deep breaths per minute for a quarter hour or so a day. To quote the August 2018 message: "Whenever you're getting worked up over something, ask yourself, "What can I do to change this situation for the better? Figure out good ideas and act on them." Stay safe. Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | August 2020 | Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board of Directors, Greg Rockvam, Cliff Post, Tony Criscenti, Jim Hatcher, Ken Pounders, and Jerry Hawkins Jim Crase President