WHETHER IT'S THE ECONOMY, your
employment situation, health or family
issues, chances are you're dealing with a
significant amount of stress. Managing that stress well
can mean the difference between feeling vaguely OK and in
control or finding yourself seriously ill. Explore some of these
simple measures for handling stress.

Turn off the radio, TV, computer— Tuning out all the bad news for a while can significantly reduce your stress. In our 24-hour news cycle, the same dire reports often get replayed again and again without adding new information or useful perspective.
Control what you can—Work out a budget, identify a plan, get advice from a professional or friend. Taking concrete action to address your situation prevents you from feeling powerless.
Closely examine how you're currently handling stress—If you have not identified that helps you relax-music, exercise, meditation, cooking, writing, long walks-try a few out. The more you consciously seek out healthy outlets, the less likely you are to fall into unhealthy ones like smoking, eating poorly, drinking to excess or withdrawing from friends and family.

Stay connected—“Many hands make light work” the expression goes, and many hands can lighten one’s load. Stay in touch with family and friends. You may be surprised how many people are in the same boat or can help you navigate yours.
Ask for help—Whether it's reaching out to a friend, colleague or professional, none of us needs to face life's difficulties on our own.▼

A SAFE GRADUATION
The YMCA of the Palms in Southwestern Florida (Naples, Bonita Springs) will be holding its 24th annual Project Graduation night on May 29. Graduating seniors from 10 area high schools-approximately 1,100 young adults-will celebrate successfully finishing high school at the Y from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. The event's goal is to keep students from the dangers of alcohol and other drugs amidst their revelry.

Coordinated by parent volunteers from local public and private schools, the evening caps off months of planning to make the night special for participating teenagers. Activities include a never-ending buffet, coffee house, mechanical bull rides, jousting competition, rock wall climbing, carnival booths, games, DJ, dance contests, movies, photo booths, laser tag, karaoke, ping pong and Guitar Hero. The largest known high school graduation party of its kind in the country, the event has an enviable safety record.

In an effort to make the program accessible to all, students pay only $15 each. The community, particularly members of the Y, makes up the difference in event costs—a small price to pay for the safety of its graduates. ▼