Image Up Advertising & Design

FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2022 31 Happy spring! Did you know April comes from the Latin word aperio, meaning "to open" (bud), because plants begin to grow during this month? The following are some issues the Safety Committee has been addressing: Projects in the works: • Continued evaluation and completion of safety suggestions for The Lodge, The Summit, and The Courts • Proposed installation of Stop signs on Green Creek Trail • Proposed scheduling of CPR/AED training this spring STRESS RELIEF How we manage our stress has a crucial role in our physical and psychological well-being. Dr. Michael Turner, MD, offers these simple choices which may yield powerful benefits. Be Active Find an activity you enjoy and move regularly. Regular physical activity is associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. One of the best ways to promote psychological well-being is to get moving. Exercise reduces your body's stress hormones, including cortisol, and can also trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals that may improve your mood and act as natural painkillers. Be Quiet Take breaks away from your computer, phone, and TV screens. Getting away from news and social media may help reduce stress levels. Another approach to getting stress relief is "mindfulness." Try box or square breathing: • Breathe in as you count to four slowly. Feel the air fill your lungs. • Hold your breath for four seconds. • Breathe out slowly through your mouth for four seconds. • Hold for four seconds. • Repeat these steps until you feel centered. Get Sleep Insomnia is a common disorder related to stress. The National Sleep Foundation says that 10 to 30 percent of us have challenges with sleep. Proper sleep hygiene includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom lights dim, and reducing exposure to outside sound. Good sleep practices also include a comfortable temperature, with 65° F considered ideal. Avoid electronics in the hour before sleeping, as some emit a blue light that can interfere with sleep. Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake. Avoiding large meals before bed can also be helpful. Connect Having strong social ties with family or friends may help you navigate through stressful times and lower any anxiety you are experiencing. As a reminder, Safety Committee meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 am in the RCN Conference Room. We encourage you to join the meeting should you have any concerns or if you would simply like an update on our ongoing safety projects. Also, please drop by if you are interested in joining the Safety Committee. All the best. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com Safety Committee

• Cover