Exercise - Exercise is a simple way to relieve stress. Any physical activity will
help. Taking even a fifteen minute walk a day outside can refresh you and help reduce
stress.
Remove some commitments - Have you taken on too many activities or commitments? Any
of these that you can remove, without neglecting basic responsibilities, will help
reduce stress.
Talk about it - Talking about your worries to someone you trust will help. Find a
friend, family member, or counselor, who can help you find possible solutions.
Give in once in a while - Striving and fighting with others can create stress. It’s
okay to give in once in a while; and you may find that others will begin to give
in, too.
Accept what you cannot change - Stop making yourself miserable over things you cannot
presently change. Get on with doing the other things in your life.
Get enough sleep and rest - Lack of sleep contributes to depression and being rested
will increase your ability to cope with stress.
Do one thing at a time - Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at one
time. Do what is most urgent first.
Behaviors that contribute to stress:
- Avoiding social contact with others
- Anticipating the worst outcome
- Thinking about hurting yourself
- Using tobacco products
- Overeating, junk food, skipping meals
- Using alcohol or other drugs
- Holding onto resentments and being unforgiving
- Drinking excessive amounts of coffee
- Spending money you don’t have to spare
- Sitting and feeling sorry for yourself
- Blaming others for your problems
- Driving fast and recklessly
- Sleeping as an escape
