A Fundamental Human Right: NYC Care health care is less expensive than medical or emergency treatments. More than 100,000 people have already enrolled in NYC Care.
BY JR HOLGUIN
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Census National Interview Survey indicated that 30 million people in the United States of all ages were uninsured during the time the survey was conducted in 2021. In New York, nearly 5% of residents live without insurance. Though one could say those numbers are low, health care is not only a service but also a fundamental human right, and York City recognizes that. Recently, the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro and NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) Executive Director of NYC Care Dr. Jonathan Jiménez hosted an in-person Ethnic and Community Media Roundtable at City Hall. The roundtable also included testimony by NYC Care patient Wendell Wells. NYC Care is an excellent program to decrease that percentage closer to nil. A health care access program, not insurance, NYC Care guarantees low-cost and even no-cost health services to New Yorkers who may not qualify for healthcare for whatever reasons or cannot afford it. It promises health care for all New Yorkers regardless of their current immigration status. New Yorker from Day One For years newly arrived immigrants of New York City abided a 6-month waiting period before becoming eligible for residency and the many benefits New Yorkers receive. But that concluded on April 20, 2022, when it was removed across all five boroughs. "You're a New Yorker from the first day you move here," said Mayor Eric Adams. "Diabetes doesn't wait for six months; why should you wait to get health care." The change allows immigrants to get the necessary health services they need
Meeting with the Ethnic Press. Editorial credit: PP/IQInc
as soon as they arrive. Many will be ineligible to receive health care through their employers or cannot pay out of pocket. "New York City is at the forefront of providing health care and treatment to its immigrants, whether they are fleeing war in Ukraine, poverty in Haiti, or Central America," emphasized Commissioner Castro. NYC Care advises members, regardless of immigration status, to get the care they need without fear. Policies and procedures are applied to help remove many immigrants' fears. Members have the right to treatment without discrimination, explanations of all charges, respectful care in a safe and clean environment, and the policy to safeguard immigration status and other confidential information is protected. Before You Get Sick Preventive care services, such as routine health screenings and vaccinations, can save years of life, keep people healthy, and save money. Unfortunately, only about 50% of all age groups use these services. NYC Care will help members choose their primary care provider at enrollment. Members are encouraged to
select a primary care provider they trust to ensure a comfortable relationship that allows members to share medical and lifestyle information confidently. The primary care provider, who can be a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, will be able to refer members to all other necessary services like medication prescriptions, vision, and support services for mental and behavioral health. Women's health services are also available for members; this includes Gynecology, Obstetrics, family planning, and more. Wells, an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, came to New York two years ago. He suffered from diabetes and hypertension and explained how the program "puts the human factor back into medicine." Thanks to NYC Care, his health issues have been improved. "Whatever is available to NYC Heath will also be available to NYC Care members," Dr. Jimenez said when asked if there were restrictions. "I don't want someone to feel afraid to come in for care because they don't have documents. Also, there are no limits on medical care, whatever the patient needs." The concept of this program is that
Billing and Fees NYC Care has no membership fees, monthly fees, or premiums. The cost of any health service is based on a "sliding scare fee per service." This is calculated by household size and yearly income. Membership will be screened every 12 months to determine if renewal is available. NYC Care encourages members to pay any fees the day they receive services. Pay options are cash, debit, or credit card. A bill will be mailed to the member's home if a member cannot pay during the visit. And if members are having issues paying fees, they can contact NYC Care Contact Center to discuss options, such as payment plans, if eligible. Members will receive a membership card they must carry at all times, especially when visiting primary care providers and getting health care services. The card is unique to each member and shows their personalized service fees. All services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals, the most extensive public health care system in the US. With a vast network of hospitals and care centers, NYC Health + Hospitals has 11 hospitals and hundreds of care facilities across all five boroughs. Lifting the 6-month waiting period for immigrants is made only possible because of an administration that reflects its community. Many representatives holding essential roles in the current administration mirror the citizenry of New York City immigrants because they came to this city as immigrants or children of immigrants and are now serving immigrants and children of immigrants.l
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Access to Reproductive Health Care has Been Harder for Black and Brown Women – Overturning Roe Made it Harder BY KIMALA PRICE THE CONVERSATION
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n a mere few days after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, at least seven states banned abortion. And even though judges blocked the enforcement of “trigger” abortion bans in three states, more bans in other states are expected in the coming weeks. It is believed that 26 states are likely to ban abortions. Abortion will likely remain legal in 20 states – and the District of Columbia – with 14 of these states having recently enacted legislation that has enhanced access to abortion. What will be the impact of these bans, especially on women of color and other marginalized communities? As a scholar who studies reproductive policy and politics, reproductive justice and social movements, I have always been aware that even when Roe was in
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place, women of color, women in rural areas and women in poverty have had difficulty obtaining reproductive health services, including abortion. Additionally, the debate over abortion often overshadows the other reproductive health inequities, such as high pregnancy-related complications and deaths, that women of color face. This recent decision will only widen these gaps. Reproductive health inequities Since the early 1980s, there has been a general decline in the abortion rate in the United States, despite claims to the contrary by anti-abortion advocates. The rate went from 29.3 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15-44 in 1981 to 13.5 per 1,000 women in 2017. However, African American and Latina women do have disproportionately higher rates of abortion than their white counterparts. The abortion rate for white women is 6.6 abortions per 1,000, while the rates for African American women – 23.8 per 1,000 – and Latinas – 11.6 per 1,000 – are three times and twice that rate, respectively. Additionally, low-income women account for 75% of all abortion procedures. According to public health researchers Christine Dehlendorf, Lisa H. Harris and Tracy A. Weitz, these higher rates are attributed to the higher rates of unintended pregnancies among these groups, which itself is attributed to limited access to health services. Poor people and people of color are more likely to live in contraceptive “deserts,” places where the number of health centers offering the full range of contraceptive methods is not enough to meet the contraceptive needs of the people who live in those places. The proliferation of these deserts was worsened by policies enacted by the Trump-Pence administration that limited family planning funding to clinics. Reproductive health inequities go beyond abortion. The infant mortality rates among African Americans, Native Americans and Native Alaskans are very high. The mortality rate for white infants is 4.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with 10.6 for African American infants and 7.9 for Native Americans/Native Alaskan infants. Additionally, African American, Native American and Native Alaskan women are the most likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. As a study by Lynn Paltrow and Jeanne Flavin has shown, poor women of color are the most likely to be arrested and prosecuted for homicide, manslaughter and child endangerment while pregnant.
These charges are often made after a woman has terminated a pregnancy, refused to consent to a medically unnecessary cesarean section, endured a miscarriage or stillbirth or tested positive for illegal drug use. There is also the troubling history of the systematic, coercive sterilization of women of color in the U.S. Women of color and other social groups have had to fight just as hard for the right to have children as for the right to not have them. By 1937, 32 states had enacted laws that authorized the sterilization of people who were deemed “unfit” to reproduce, including immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, poor people, unmarried women, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues and people with criminal records. As historian Alexandra Stern explains, this practice was viewed as “a necessary public health intervention that would protect society from deleterious genes and the social and economic costs of managing ‘degenerate stock.’” Scholars have documented the history of sterilization abuse among women of color in the 20th century, including women of Mexican and Mexican American heritage in Southern California, African American women in the South, Native American women using Indian Health Services and women in Puerto Rico. Many were sterilized without their full, informed consent. Although most of these formal sterilization laws were abolished by the mid1980s, this practice, unfortunately, is still happening, as reports about sterilization abuse in detention centers run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have surfaced. A post-Roe, post-Dobbs world In the coming months and years, we will see more women traveling to terminate their pregnancies – to states such as California, Colorado and New York, where abortion is likely to remain legal. But long-distance travel may not be a viable option for those who cannot afford
the costs or time off from work or who may not be able to secure child care for their children. Studies have shown that travel distance is a major barrier to obtaining abortions, as women will forgo an abortion if they must travel more than 50 miles to the nearest clinic. As with their pre-Roe predecessors, many women may decide to self-induce abortions out of necessity and desperation. This can make them even more vulnerable to charges of fetal homicide if they are discovered. Studies have also shown that unsafe abortions can lead to serious health risks, including hemorrhage, infection, infertility and death. Anti-abortion advocates have pushed adoption as a solution for unintended pregnancy, but this is not a realistic option for people of color. Among the more than 400,000 children in the foster care system, children of color are the least likely to be adopted. These children linger in the foster care system. Erosion of rights In his concurring opinion in Dobbs, Justice Clarence Thomas argued that the court should reconsider reversing other related landmark rulings, including access to contraception in Griswold v. Connecticut, LGBTQ+ sexual behavior and sodomy laws in Lawrence v. Texas and same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges. Thomas’ sentiments reveal a broader ultraconservative agenda to roll back the social and political gains that marginalized communities have won since the 1960s. In my view, if Thomas gets his wish, women of color will see further erosion of their personal autonomy and right to make the fundamental decisions about the most intimate aspects of their lives.l Kimala Price is a Professor of Women’s Studies, San Diego State University
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Vaccines Are Available for Monkeypox
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he Health Department announced that more JYNNEOS™ monkeypox vaccine doses are coming to New York City. The next allocation of vaccine, totaling more than 14,500 doses, is expected to arrive later this week from the federal government. The Health Department will announce in the coming days how this allocation will be distributed, prioritizing fast and equitable delivery to New Yorkers. Appointments can be scheduled at nyc.gov/health/monkeypox. “I commend New Yorkers for taking charge of their health and getting vaccinated,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We know that vaccine supply continues to be scarce, and appointments may be difficult to get. But we’re working with community-based organizations to ensure an equitable approach and we’re working with federal partners to secure even more vaccine soon. As we scale up vaccination, we encourage New Yorkers to exercise some caution. Stay home if you feel sick, and especially if you develop a rash or sores that may be monkeypox, and follow some basic preventive measures.” The monkeypox outbreak is growing in New York City, and the risk of exposure
through sex and other close physical contact is increasing. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox. The current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, so this community is currently at greater risk of exposure. Due to limited supply of the JYNNEOS™ vaccine nationally, eligibility during this phase is restricted to those at highest risk of a recent exposure based on national and local cases. Currently, this is gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary persons ages 18 and older who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days. More appointments will go online when more vaccine is allotted to New York City by the federal government. About monkeypox The monkeypox virus is most often spread through direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus. It can also spread through contact with clothing, bedding, and other items used by a person with monkeypox, or from respiratory droplets that can be passed in prolonged close contact. Transmission
can occur during sex or other close physical contact. It is not yet known if monkeypox can spread through saliva, semen or vaginal fluids. Symptoms The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands, or feet, or around or inside the mouth, genitals or anus. Before or at the same time the rash or sores appear, some people have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and tiredness. In some cases, monkeypox can cause severe illness. A person is contagious until all sores have healed, and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take two to four weeks. Prevention and care To reduce the chance of getting or spreading monkeypox, do not engage in sex or other close physical contact (such as touching, massage, or kissing) if you or your partners are sick and especially if you or they have a new or unexpected rash or sores anywhere on the body. Avoid gatherings and direct contact with others if you are unwell or have a rash or
sores. Wash your hands, sex toys and bedding before and after sex or other intimate activities. As more New Yorkers are diagnosed with monkeypox, it is crucial to seek care as soon as you notice a rash or sores. If you don’t have a health care provider, visit the NYC Health Map or call 311 to be connected to care. People who receive the vaccine should continue to take these precautions to prevent transmission of monkeypox. The JYNNEOSTM vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of monkeypox in people ages 18 and older. The vaccine is given as two doses, at least four weeks apart.l
Big protection for little New Yorkers. COVID-19 vaccines now available for kids 6 months and older.
To learn more, visit nyc.gov/vaccine昀nder or call 877-VAX-4NYC.
Eric Adams Mayor Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD Commissioner
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Mental Health Support NYC Advises Indoor for All New Yorkers Masking Again as COVID Cases Climb
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uly is Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month, formerly recognized as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In our city of 8.5 million inhabitants where over 800 different languages are spoken, it’s estimated that 1-in-5 New Yorkers are dealing with a mental health issue. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA), in 2019, 17% (5.2 million) of adult African Americans reported having a mental health illness, but only 34% of African American young adults (aged 18-25) and 59% of adult African Americans (aged 26-49) reported receiving treatment. Systemic and historical inequities and barriers can negatively impact access to mental health services, mental health diagnoses and sustained mental health care for BIPOC individuals. Additionally, the cultural stigma associated with mental illness can prevent individuals from seeking vital resources and support for themselves or loved ones. The city is committed to helping New Yorkers access mental health resources in their communities and in their preferred languages. If you or someone you know needs help, please refer to the below information and share with your
BYRALPH ELLIS WEBMD NEWS networks. Together, we can spread awareness and help to improve the mental health wellness of New Yorkers. Mental health support for all New Yorkers •Call 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-6929355) for mental health and substance misuse support available in New York City or go to the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health website at https://mentalhealth.cityofnewyork.us/. You can also visit https://mentalhealthforall.nyc.gov/ a new comprehensive hub with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers, including young people, communities of color, and people with serious mental illness.l
W
ith the new BA.5 subvariant fueling another increase in COVID-19 cases, the New York City Department of Health is advising residents and visitors to wear highquality masks in indoor public settings and outside crowds. “We're currently seeing high levels of COVID-19 in NYC. To help slow the spread, all New Yorkers should wear a high-quality mask, such as an N95, KN95 or KF94 in all public indoor settings and around crowds outside,” the NYCDOH tweeted. All of New York County has now moved from the CDC’s medium-risk category, which doesn’t carry an indoor masking advisory, to its high-risk category, which does. New York is not alone. The CDC classified 667 counties – 20.73% of the United States – as highrisk as of Friday. New York City now has an overall positivity rate of 15.4% over the last seven days, according to the city DOH, though parts of Manhattan and Queens are reporting 25% positivity rates. COVIDrelated hospitalizations and deaths have not risen lately, city DOH data shows. Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged a rise in COVID cases but said nobody needs to panic, according to The New York Post. “When we look at our numbers, we are at a good, stable place,” the mayor said Thursday. “The numbers are ticking up, according to our healthcare professionals this morning, but we’re not at the place where our hospitals have been overimpacted, and we’re not at a place where it’s stopping our growth in the city. So we are continuing to monitor so we can make the right decisions.” The highly transmissible BA.5 subvariant is responsible for the rise in COVID cases in New York City, as well as in the rest of the United States. The NYCDOH said 45% of all positive tested cases were linked to BA.5 as of June 25, with BA.4 responsible for 16% of the tested cases.l
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Waiting For What? Appreciate Life and Live for a Living BY JAMAL JIVANJEE
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magine that you’ve been feeling a bit off for the past few months. So, you decide to make an appointment with the doctor just to cover your bases and make sure everything is kosher. One appointment turns into two, and then a referral. You answer all the questions and take the tests they order for you. A couple of weeks later, the phone rings: “You need to come in right away.” As you sit down and face the physician who is sitting comfortably behind the desk, the words “I’m so sorry” and “… about six months” are all that echo in the chasm of your being. “This has to be a mistake. I still have five years until I can retire. I’ve done my time. I’ve worked hard. We’ve been saving everything we can to be able to relax and travel to all the places we’ve always said we wanted to go. I just need ten more years at the least. Five to finish out my career, and the other five to enjoy the decades of hard work. I’ve been waiting for this season of life where I can finally live. What do you mean only six more months?” By this point, you are probably realiz-
ing that you haven’t been present enough in life to be the parent or spouse that you truly desired to be. As a parent, you’ve been saving the creating of memories for the upcoming vacations. As a spouse, you figured you would have time in retirement, when you’d be able to be together without any distractions. That’s why you sacrificed so much of your life over the years. You just need a few more years to make it all worthwhile. If you would have known your life would be over in six months, you would never have agreed to postpone your life to the future. How can you get the years back? For far too many of us, a brief awareness of our mortality or a brush with death, is the only time when we consider the rareness and tremendous value of everyday life. The more rare something is, the greater the perception of its value. Of all the living beings on this planet, human beings possess something that no other being has; conscious awareness of our own impending death. It is for this very reason that humans have the ability to be conscious of the rarity and value of this thing that we call life. It is only when we value something that we treat it with utmost care and precision. Most of us,
however, only give mental assent to our mortality. As a result, we live life as if our death was not a present tense possibility. If you had six months to live, how would your day today change? How much time and energy would you spend on drama and arguing with others? Would you slow down and enjoy your meals and engage in meaningful conversations with your loved ones? Would you worry about the future less? Would you take that trip you’ve always wanted to take, and would you put the phone down a bit more? How about your work? Would you quit your job feeling that it is a waste of your valuable and limited time, or would you work even more diligently and with more focus knowing
there is something of value the world needs you to leave behind? I think you already know the answers to those questions. If there is one thing that I am passionate about, it is living. I am passionate about helping people live for a living, not simply for survival. There is nothing better than a life well lived to its full potential. In order to do this, I am convinced that we cannot wait any longer to live. We cannot wait for retirement, for heaven, for the weekend, or for the vacation. Living must begin today because we are not guaranteed that we have six months left to live. As a matter of fact, no one is guaranteed that they have the rest of the day. What is guaranteed, however, is that you have this moment. Learning to live in alignment and harmony with this moment is an inside job that the majority of people on this planet have not learned how to do. My wish and blessing for you is that you will learn the art of living for a living. l Jamal Jivanjee is an Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, and full-time life coach. His latest book is Living for a Living.
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How to Escape Abusive Relationships: Helpful Tips BY MARY CAMPBELL
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f you're in an abusive relationship, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may feel like you're trapped and don't have anywhere to turn. The good news is that there are resources available to help you escape an abusive relationship. This guide will provide you with information on how to identify abuse, find help, and protect yourself from future abuse. Signs of Abuse The first step in escaping an abusive relationship is to recognize the signs of abuse. Many people stay in abusive relationships because they don't realize that what they're experiencing is abuse. Let's take a closer look at some signs you may be in an abusive relationship. Sign #1: Your Partner is Excessively Jealous or Possessive One of the most common signs of an abusive relationship is jealousy or possessiveness on the part of your partner. If your partner is constantly asking you who you're talking to or where you're going, this is a red flag. Your partner may
also try to control who you see and what you do. For example, they may tell you that you can't go out with your friends or insist that you work late every night. Sign #2: Your Partner Uses Verbal Abuse Another sign of an abusive relationship is verbal abuse. This can include namecalling, put-downs, and berating comments. Your partner may also yell at you or threaten violence. If your partner regularly uses verbal abuse, this is a serious problem. Sign #3: Your Partner Uses Physical Abuse Physical abuse is another sign of an abusive relationship. This can include hitting, kicking, or pushing. Your partner may also throw things at you or use a weapon to threaten you. If your partner physically abuses you, it's important to get help immediately. Sign #4: Your Partner Isolates You from Friends and Family One of the most dangerous signs of an abusive relationship is isolation. Your partner may try to keep you away from
friends and family members. They may do this by telling you that they don't like them or that they're bad for you. If your partner isolates you, it's important to reach out to trusted friends and family members for support. 3 Ways to Escape an Abusive Relationship If you're in an abusive relationship, it's important to know that there is help available. Here are three ways to escape an abusive relationship: Method #1: Get Help from a Domestic Violence Shelter If you're in an abusive relationship, one of the best things you can do is get help from a domestic violence shelter. These shelters provide safe places for victims of domestic violence to stay. They also offer support and resources to help people escape abusive relationships. Many domestic violence shelters also have 24-hour hotlines that you can call for help. Method #2: Reach Out to a Friend or Family Member If you're in an abusive relationship, another way to get help is to reach out to a friend or family member. These people can provide you with support and resources. They may also be able to help you escape the abusive situation. Method #3: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline If you're in an abusive relationship, you can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800799-7233). This hotline provides 24/7 support for victims of domestic violence. Operators can help you find resources in your area, such as shelters and support groups.
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The Bottom Line If you're in an abusive relationship, it's important to get help immediately. This guide provides information on how to identify abuse, find help, and protect yourself from future abuse. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please reach out for help. Immigrants and Domestic Violence Immigrants are particularly vulnerable because many may not speak English,
are often separated from family and friends, and may not understand the laws of the United States. For these reasons, immigrants are often afraid to report acts of domestic violence to the police or to seek other forms of assistance. Such fear causes many immigrants to remain in abusive relationships. Immigrants in the US. have the right to live a life free of abuse. Due to the victim’s immigration status, abusive partners have additional ways to exert power and control over their victims. If you are an immigrant or refugee in an abusive relationship, you may face unique issues that make it hard to reach out for help. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a landmark piece of legislation seeking to improve criminal legal, and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the United States. This federal law provides numerous forms of protection for noncitizen women—and men—who are the victims of domestic violence or other qualifying crimes. There are three forms of protection: “U” visas for victims of crime, “T” visas for victims of severe forms of trafficking, and “self-petitions” under the VAWA. Legal Assistance Any victim of domestic violence — regardless of immigration or citizenship status — can seek help. An immigrant victim of domestic violence may also be eligible for immigration-related protections. If you are experiencing domestic violence in your home, you are not alone. A specialized immigration attorney should always be your first point of contact regarding immigration questions and concerns. You can also listen to Ask the Lawyer Radio Program on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays, 10pm-11pm, and Sundays, 11pm to 12am. The program provides excellent information and an opportunity for a confidential, legal consultation. The number to call is 855-7688845. You can also visit www.askthelawyer.us Domestic violence is against the law regardless of one’s immigration status. Be a loving family member, good friend, and caring neighbor: please share this information.l
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How to Have a Stress-Free Morning and opt for home deliveries. If morning house cleaning stresses you, consider hiring a cleaner for a few hours a week. Family members could do more chores, too, if you delegate. Also, you can put off unimportant tasks when you're under pressure.
BY CHRIS TOBIAS
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ife is stressful as it is. For many immigrants, the stress is ten-fold. Immigration has been a hot-button, politized topic for the past few years. And, with the recent Trump administration demonizing and terrorizing immigrants, all immigrants have felt the stress, especially undocumented immigrants. Immigrants come to the United States for many reasons beyond economics. Many are fleeing violence, corruption, crime, political and religious persecution, and war. Of course, moving to a new country where one must adjust to the language, and traditions, for example, would stress anyone out, even legally. Imagine the undocumented immigrant. Immigration-related stressors can increase suicidal concepts and risk due to the distress associated with cultural stress, social marginalization, intergenerational conflicts, PTSD, and other psychological disorders. One way to ease your stress is by starting your day as right as possible. This article provides some suggestions. Starting the morning under pressure sets the mood for the day, leaving you anxious and tense. Although people know it's unhelpful to begin the day bogged down by tension, they continue regardless. But they can end the morning
Get organized One key to a stress-free morning is organization. Identify what you must do at the start of the day, and you won't dither and waste time. If you face multiple tasks, list priorities before you begin them. feeling terrific with a few simple tweaks. Morning stress comes from many sources. Identifying triggers will help you change and inject positivity into each day. When you are stressed, note what is happening. Maybe you're anxious because you need to hurry, or you're worried about things you need to do. Or you may find distractions hard to handle and are disorganized. When you recognize what stresses you, you can make positive lifestyle changes. They might involve altering your morning routine to match your schedule and planning how best to approach the day. Adapt your schedule Most people engage in a strict schedule
in the morning. If completing one task takes longer than expected, they have insufficient time for another. Poor time management creates frustration and stress. Steal back lost time in the morning by doing as many tasks as possible in the evenings. Make packed lunches for the next day before you go to bed, for instance, and lay out your work clothes in advance. Gather anything you need to take when you leave the house in the morning, too. Create less stress If stressful chores need doing before work, carry them out differently. Rather than dashing to the shop, order online
Enjoy me-time Get up 15 minutes earlier than usual and enjoy some precious time with yourself. You'll have time to gather your wits, meditate, journal about your feelings, or take longer in the shower. Your morning mindset creates ripples that infect the hours to follow, and a few minutes more first thing could be all you need to instill calm. Remember Your mornings will be stress-free if you rise earlier and plan what you need to do. Use time well and create calmness rather than getting strung out and frazzled. l
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