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How do you take a break from stress, St. Louis?

The Post-Dispatch invites you to join the conversation on Instagram on how we as a region can tackle the public health risk of too much stress.

It's simple:

- Post a picture of a healthy habit or activity or that helps you deal with stress.
- In your comment bubble explain what it is and how it works for you. You can be as brief or detailed as you want. You can talk about a specific burden and how it helps. Or you can just explain what works for you.
- At the end of your comment use the hashtag #takeabreakSTL

Why should you participate? Your thoughts and ideas matter. The more we talk about stress, the more we can figure out solutions to dial down its adverse effects on public health. Research shows healthy mental and physical habits along with healthy relationships can reduce your stress response and help your health.

The Post-Dispatch's upcoming special report, "The Crisis Within: How toxic stress and trauma endanger our children," finds that chronic or toxic stress is known to increase risk for disease. When it trickles down to children, it hurts their development and increases their chances for lifelong health problems.

So, #takeabreakSTL, and be part of the solution to reduce toxic stress in our community.