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SACRED HEART HOSPITAL 900 W CLAIREMONT AVE EAU CLAIRE, WI 54701-5105 ® This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's hospitals comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at sacredhearteauclaire.org or stjoeschipfalls.org. Espanol (Spanish) ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital: 1-715-717-4121; HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital, 715-723-1811 (TTY 711). Hmoob (Hmong) LUS CEEV: Yog tias koj hais lus Hmoob, cov kev pab txog lus, muaj kev pab dawb rau koj. Hu rau HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital: 1-715-717-4121; HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital, 715-723-1811 (TTY 711). EVERYONE DEALS WITH the stresses of life on a daily basis. And we all handle them differently. As a counselor at The Healing Place who teaches meditation techniques, I believe it's important to practice what I preach. One of the ways I center myself is by following a few simple steps before I roll out of bed in the morning. Following these tips as soon as your alarm goes off will help center your soul: A GOOD START THINK ABOUT THE GOOD THINGS It's important to be mindful of all the good things going on in our lives. Sometimes there are too many to count, and sometimes only one will stand out. When we make a mental list of all we are grateful for, we become revitalized and ready to face the day. STRETCH Point your toes toward the end of the bed and then up to the ceiling. Reach for the headboard, or reach to each side. Stretching releases endorphins — the neurotransmitters in the brain that can elevate mood. It also helps to decrease pain and depression. SET YOUR INTENTIONS FOR THE DAY Decide what you intend to focus on each day, and be OK with saying no to people who don't support your intention. This isn't an easy task, but once you start doing it, you will feel empowered. Many times we feel like other people are dictating our steps. Setting intentions puts us back in the driver's seat. Maybe your intention for the day is to think before you respond. Knowing that intention and reciting it in your head before you get in the shower is power in itself. Now you have a tool you can use throughout the day. 2. 3. 1. BY AMY SEGERSTROM