The Rolling Stones released their hit song, ‘Mother’s Little Helper’ in 1965. I find it ironic that today, almost 45 years later, the lyrics are still relevant…including the use of some iteration of the little yellow pill. (Research shows that worldwide, the number of prescriptions for anti-depression and anti-anxiety medication has increased 3 fold over the past decade.) It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

What a drag it is getting old

“Kids are different today”

I hear ev’ry mother say

Mother needs something today to calm her down

And though she’s not really ill

There’s a little yellow pill

She goes running for the shelter of a mother’s little helper

And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy  day

“Things are different today”

I hear ev’ry mother say

Cooking fresh food for a husband’s just a drag

So she buys an instant cake and she burns her frozen steak

And goes running for the shelter of a mother’s little helper

And two help her on her way, get her through her busy day

Doctor please, some more of these

Outside the door, she took four more

What a drag it is getting old

“Men aren’t the same today”

I hear ev’ry mother say

They just don’t appreciate that you get tired

They’re so hard to satisfy,  you can tranquilize your mind

So go running for the shelter of a mother’s little helper

And four help you through the night, help to minimize your plight

Doctor please, some more of these

Outside the door, she took four more

What a drag it is getting old

“Life’s just much too hard today”

I hear ev’ry mother say

The pursuit of happiness just seems a bore

And if you take more of those, you will get an overdose

No more running for the shelter of a mother’s little helper

They just helped you on your way, through your busy dying day

It’s true, life is full of challenges, demands from many directions, and your inner voice, expressing your fears, insecurities, doubts, and questions.  But you aren’t alone in your journey for fulfillment.  Instead of reaching for your version of the little yellow pill…that extra pint of ice cream, the cigarette, the glass (or bottle) of Jack, the emotional explosion or melt down… why not try one of these healthier and more sustainable strategies:

• take a deep breath
• eat healthy foods
• take a walk
• talk to a friend
• drink plenty of water
• take time out to have fun
• express your wants, needs, fears
• meditate
• get plenty of rest
• take up a hobby
• do volunteer work and give back
• let go of perfection
• ask for help
• keep a gratitude journal

These are just a few ways of managing your stress and maintaining your health as you navigate life’s ups and downs.  But please, don’t do it alone!  Enlist a friend, find a buddy who is trying to make the same sort of change you are, seek the help of a professional, hire a coach, oin a support group.  Anything’s easier when you do it with others!