Tips for Reducing Stress

We may not be able to control stress, but we can manage it.

Here are some stress management tips that may help you feel better, and less stressed, every day:

• Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
• Keep a positive attitude; rather than defaulting to negatives (”Nothing goes right for me,”or ”Bad things always happen to me”), give yourself positive messages (”I’m doing my best,” or ”I’ll ask for help”).
• Halt stress in its tracks; if you feel overwhelmed, take a walk or drive in the slow lane to avoid getting angry at other drivers.
• Manage your time. Give yourself time to get things done; set your watch so you have more time to prepare for an event.
• Do things that are pleasurable, like reading or gardening.
• Take 15-20 minutes every day to sit quietly and reflect. Learn and practice relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing.
• Exercise regularly by bicycling, walking, hiking, jogging, or working out at the gym. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. And don’t smoke.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Seek out social support.