Stress is something that we all face and it can be deadly. But instead of turning to prescription medicine, try some other ways to reduce stress and make yourself even healthier. Stress is a factor in the leading causes of death and social media is not helping. In fact, studies show that 44% of Americans feel they are more stressed today than they were five years ago. As cliché as it may sound, taking deep breaths help soothe our nervous system. Exercise is not only good for your body but it is also good for your mind. Mood-lifting chemicals are released the more you move as well as your heart gets stronger and your metabolism keeps working even longer. Music is a wonderful tool that can be used to soothe our minds and our spirits. Volunteering has also been shown to reduce our stress because helping others gives us a good feeling. One thing that many people do not do is get enough sleep. It is good to have a consistent routine to our meals but also our sleeping schedule. Turning off our electronics an hour before bedtime is a good way to do this. Eating healthier and less processed foods can help you lose those extra pounds which will reduce the burden put on your body. And one of the easiest things we can do is to be around people that make us laugh and make us happy. Socialization is important to combat loneliness but even watching comedies instead of dramas or murder mysteries can help our mindset be calmer. It may just take one of these tips to help you reduce your stress or you may need to try several.

Join us virtually on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) as we learn the what, how, and why of composting! The presentation will cover what compost is, the procedures of composting compost, and why we should compost. We will discuss what you can put in your compost piles and at what proportions to compost most effectively. If you already compost or you are just thinking about starting this presentation will have tips for you. Presentation spoiler – it is easier than you think! Register at go.ncsu.edu/compostingnow

Try the following healthy recipe courtesy of the Oklahoma State University Extension or for more information, email me at jennifer.brown@ncsu.edu or follow us on a variety of social media sites: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @persongranvillefcs

Vegetable Casserole – serves 6

1 cup peeled butternut squash, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 medium potato, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 medium green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1 medium carrot, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices

1 cup fresh or frozen cut green beans

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried basil

2 teaspoons dried dill weed

1 (14 ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 tablespoons shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray a 7” X 11” baking pan with nonstick vegetable spray. Place all ingredients, except cheese, in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Transfer to baking dish. Cover vegetable with foil, shiny side down, and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil. Continue baking until veggies are just tender, 20-35 minutes more. Remove from oven. Sprinkle casserole with cheese. Return to oven until cheese is browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes.