How do psychologists beat the blues?

It can be tough to keep up a positive outlook when stressful moments – or hours – inevitably come. If we’re not careful, we can let the stress ruin our day or affect our overall happiness.

Four clinical psychologists with Advocate Medical Group in Bloomington, Ill., were asked to share a few of the things they do to stay grounded and positive as they go through their day.

And if these tips are helpful to them, chances are they can benefit you, too.

Dr. Kevin Krippner
“Exercise is one of the most helpful things people can do to improve both physical and emotional health,” Dr. Krippner says. “One of the things I enjoy for self-care is playing hockey. I also do some refereeing that provides additional exercise and stress relief.” Spectator sports help him, too. “Watching the Cubs has also been a really fun thing for me, especially in the past few years,” he says. Dr. Krippner also places high value on spending time with his family and friends.

Dr. Cheri Miller
Dr. Miller offers up four things she does that are helpful to her:

1. “See the glass 1/2 full…make a point to notice the positives in the day.”
2. “Laugh…including at myself.”
3. “Reach out to the people I love in some way.”
4. “Do something I enjoy:  Activities, interests, time with people”

Dr. Brent Sylvester
Dr. Sylvester is another proponent of exercise. “I try to engage in some activity most days of the week. Following a workout, I usually feel more energy,” he says. “The experience is also good for helping me to be grounded in the moment because of the focus and concentration required. I find this to be particularly true when I engage in rock climbing.”

Dr. Judy Ronan Woodburn
Dr. Woodburn noted a few of the things she does to de-stress:

• “Spending time with my dogs just petting or playing with them. My dogs just enjoy the moment and are a good reminder to me to slow down and appreciate the here-and-now.”
• “Keeping a ‘gratitude’ list. Each day, I try to be very aware of blessings, both small and large. Something as simple as seeing a hummingbird can be a blessing. My gratitude list helps me to keep some perspective when I am experiencing struggles.”
• “I try to keep a consistent sleep-wake cycle – going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning.”