Here are tips for improving your ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times:

1. Brighten Your Outlook
Hold on to positive emotions, appreciate the good times, remember your good deeds, forgive yourself, practice gratitude, surround yourself with positive people, develop healthy physical habits, be resilient.

2. Reduce Stress
Cope with stress before they become chronic. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, build a social support network, set priorities, note what you have accomplished not what you did not, set regular times for relaxation.

3. Get Quality Sleep
Sleep helps you think more clearly, enables you to have quicker reflexes and focus better. Keep a regular sleeping and waking schedule, make your sleeping environment quiet and comfortable. Avoid alcohol, stimulants, large meals and using electronics before bedtime. Take a warm bath or read before sleeping.

4. Be Mindful
Be completely aware of what’s happening in you and around you in the present. To improve your mindfulness, take some deep breaths, go for a stroll and appreciate the sights and sounds. When you eat, mind the taste, textures and flavors of food; listen to your body when you are hungry or full. Be aware of how each part of your body feels.

5. Cope With Loss
When someone you love dies, your world changes. To help you through difficult times, take care of yourself, talk to caring friends or others who are also grieving, wait a while before making big life changes, talk to your doctor or therapist, be patient – mourning takes time.

6. Strengthen Social Connections
Social connections can have powerful effects on your health—both emotionally and physically. Build strong relationships with your family and friends. Get involved in group activities, learn something new, volunteer in your community, travel and meet new people.