Things to try

See your doctor(s) for regular check-ups. Doing this can catch conditions before they become bigger issues. Make a habit of sharing your questions and concerns so you know what you’re dealing with, and can get the help you need. If relevant, consider what long term and end-of-life care options are important to you, and tell a trusted loved one. Though it may be difficult to think about, it’ll provide relief to know you’ve communicated your wishes in advance of any emergency situations and will prevent them from being put in difficult positions later.

When you're going through a challenging situation, it may also stressful for your family and other close relationships. So keep the lines of communication open, and ask for the support you need. At the same time, encourage your loved ones who are helping out to take time for themselves when their help extends over a longer period of time—it can be easy to burn out, and you’ll want to know they get the relief they need. There may be a range of support options available through your employer, a therapist, state or federal government, or community groups that can help lighten the load and extend your support system.

Creative expression can be one of the healthiest ways to cope with stress. Whether it be painting, writing, comedy, dancing, singing, cooking—doing something you find joy in can uplift the mind, soul, and spirit. If you have a hobby from the past you’ve been meaning to pick back up, carve some time out to give it a go.

Sometimes a little self reflection can go a long way. If you need ideas for where to start, pay attention to how every part of your body feels, starting from your head down to your toes. Then try asking yourself: What am I feeling right now? Why am I feeling that way?

Be like Mike. He credits tapping in to the power of his mind—visualizing himself winning—to helping him become a master of basketball. And it’s is something you can try too. What’s the equivalent to making a basket, or winning a championship trophy in your life? If you picture yourself achieving this in your mind, your brain actually does the work to create a new neural pathway. In non-science speak, this means when you visualize something vividly, and repeatedly, the brain feels like you’ve actually done the thing you’ve imagined. So when the situation arises in real life, you can be calm in the moment and worry a little less about how to do the thing because you’ve already experienced it your mind.

Visualization can have a powerful impact on your wellness or psyche. If you're in a funk or not feeling particularly inspired, try taking moment to think back on the last time you felt truly joyful. What sparked it? Is it a person, a place, a situation? Is there something you can do for yourself today that will maybe inspire that same emotion? Investing in your own personal joy is always worth it.

Taking care of your body is not only good for your heart and your brain—it also equips you to better deal with emotional challenges. Taking a daily walk or doing some type of physical activity, drinking lots of water, and getting enough sleep are all great steps you can take to maximize your help and minimize the risk (or lessen the negative impact) of larger health issues.

Feeling connected to others can help life feel more balanced and, according to studies, even impact how our bodies feel. Spend time with friends and family to help take some of the focus away from work, reduce the impact of stressors—or even physical pain—and develop strong connections you can lean on for support.