Happy Easter to all that are celebrating! April also happens to be Stress Awareness Month, a time to be mindful about the stress in our own lives — the cause(s), the negative effects it can have on our mind and body, and how to relieve it. Why is this important? Stress is known as the “silent killer” because it doesn’t have a single face; it can be constant or triggered by a single traumatic event. The question then becomes: how much control do you have over your stress and/or the variables in your life that are causing you stress? Here are some things to consider doing in order to minimize stress: + Maintain a healthy lifestyle. (are you getting enough sleep, exercise and healthy food in your system?) + Speak up and out. When you’re feeling down, confide in a person or circle of people that support you. It’s better to talk about your feelings than to let them fester inside of your mind and body. Your support system may even help you come up with strategies or solutions for your worries that you hadn’t previously thought of. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. + Dedicate time to self care and relaxation. For some, self care might mean going to the gym or doing some kind of physical activity to help them calm down and alleviate stress. For others, self care might mean politely declining an invitation for a night out so that they can soak in a bubble bath while they catch up on reading. Meditation, exercise, healthy food, reading and spending time with good company (meaning supportive and aligned with who you are), are just a handful of examples of things you can do to help energize your mind and body, and mitigate stress. 🧘♀️🐺🐺 We really enjoy hiking and and exploring outside because nature gives us a calmness that is often missing from major city areas. Sunsets, flowers and PNW air help us breathe deeper (and breathing is REALLY good for helping to alleviate stress, too!). Moments like the one shown here are moments that we treasure and immediately put us into a state of gratitude. 🌷🌷🌷 What are some other things that you guys do when you’re feeling stressed? #findyourwild #OrvisDogs #sponsored #OrvisAmbassador (at Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival)