In our busy world, sometimes it’s hard not to feel like life is chaotic.

The Lopez Island Family Resource Center is offering a four-week class for adults and teens outlining day-to-day management skills to help cope with those demands. “Easing the Burden of Daily Stress” runs four consecutive Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Lopez High School, starting Feb. 25. The course is free of charge.

“Many believe that if their life feels chaotic and out of control, there’s nothing they can do about it. They feel uptight and helpless. Fights erupt, no one can cope, and parents and children suffer,” said Suzi Marean, who is leading the course.

“This is, for me, a prevention program to help reduce stress by offering a few simple, daily management skills, thereby helping to improve not only the individuals in the family but the family dynamics.” Marean is the Lopez Community Advocate for Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services.

“For some, money is tight, there’s never enough time, and then comes the anger and defensiveness. These are major causes of conflict in the lives of many family members. I’ve found that for daily living there are some basic skills that help with time and money management, clear communication, and stress reducing behaviors. By learning to manage the day-to-day stuff in positive ways class participants can expand their focus to healthy relationships, a sense of accomplishment, and a network of supportive people in their lives,” said Marean.

Class topics include time management, money management, untangling confusing and misleading communication, learning new ways to express wants and needs responsibly and with respect, when it’s okay to say yes and when to say no, how to reduce stress and learn what triggers it, and how to nurture yourself.

To sign up for the course, please call the Lopez Island Family Resource Center at 468-4117.