Juggling work, family, and a social life can sometimes feel like a circus act. At times, you may worry it could all come crashing down.

Before letting feelings of stress and anxiety overcome your emotions, Dr. Carlos Garcia, clinical psychologist and owner of Tampa Counseling and Wellness, has three easy steps to help you settle down.

If you start to feel like the workday is too much:

• Take a break. Go outside for a quick walk to calm down.
• Just breathe. Dr. Garcia says three deep breaths can go a long way. Breathe in calm and patience, and exhale tension.
• Confide in a friend. Have a conversation with a close colleague or confidant about what has you overwhelmed. Sometimes a quick chat can help calm you down.

If you're still feeling stress, anxious, or depressed, call for help. It's OK not to be OK. There are resources available throughout the Tampa Bay area to help with mental health:

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has offered services to the Tampa Bay community for more than 50 years to ensure no one faces a crisis alone.

People who are struggling with a variety of crisis situations, including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergencies, suicidal thoughts, and other problems can connect with the Crisis Center and start down the path to help.

Tampa Bay Thrives is a local nonprofit that helps people better address mental health and substance abuse issues by focusing on improved navigation resources to help people find appropriate care, access to behavioral health counseling, and remove the stigma of seeking treatment for mental health related issues. 

Hillsborough County Mindful Mondays

Mindful Mondays promotes different ways you can make your mental health a priority, despite having a busy schedule. From chair yoga virtual classes to tips on how to decompress after a long day, Hillsborough County's Mindful Mondays has various interactive resources for you to access no matter what day or time it is. New content updated on a continuing basis.

Read More At: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/newsroom/2023/02/21/take-a-step-back-and-ease-your-stress