I’ve had my share of stress. I’m sure you have, too.

These are the first things I ask myself when I start feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

1. When was the last time I had something to eat?

2. How much coffee have I had today?

3. How much have I exercised — over even simply moved around — today?

This isn’t to dismiss common causes of anxiety or depression, but rather it serves as a reminder to myself that I forget how much I personally control.

I also like the old adage “When you feel you hate everyone, it is probably time to eat, and when you feel everyone hates you, it is probably time to sleep.”