101 Ways to Relieve Stress

  • Get up 15 minutes earlier.
  • Prepare for the morning the night before.
  • Avoid tight fitting clothes.
  • Avoid relying on chemical aids.
  • Set appointments ahead.
  • Don't rely on your memory…write it down.
  • Practice preventive maintenance.
  • Make duplicate keys.
  • Say "NO" more often.
  • Set priorities in your life.
  • Avoid negative people.
  • Use time wisely.
  • Simplify meal times.
  • Always make copies of important papers.
  • Anticipate your needs.
  • Repair anything that doesn't work properly.
  • Ask for help with the jobs you dislike.
  • Break large tasks into bite-size portions.
  • Look at problems as a challenge.
  • Look for the silver lining.
  • Say something nice to someone.
  • Teach a kid to fly a kite.
  • Walk in the rain.
  • Schedule playtime into every day.
  • Take a bubble bath.
  • Believe in yourself.
  • Stop saying negative things to yourself.
  • Visualize yourself winning.
  • Develop your sense of humor.
  • Have goals for yourself.
  • Dance a jig.
  • Say hello to a stranger.
  • Ask a friend for a hug.
  • Look up at the stars.
  • Practice breathing slowly.
  • Learn to whistle a tune.
  • Read a poem.
  • Listen to a symphony.
  • Watch a ballet.
  • Read a story curled up in bed.
  • Do a brand new thing.
  • Stop a bad habit.
  • Buy yourself flowers.
  • Take time to smell the flowers.
  • Find support from others.
  • Ask someone to be your "Vent Partner."
  • Do it today.
  • Work at being cheerful and optimistic.
  • Put safety first.
  • Do everything in moderation.
  • Be aware of the decisions you make.
  • Pay attention to your appearance.
  • Strive for excellence NOT perfection.
  • Stretch your limits a little each day.
  • Look at a work of art.
  • Hum a jingle.
  • Maintain your weight.
  • Plant a tree.
  • Feed the birds.
  • Practice grace under pressure.
  • Stand up and stretch.
  • Always have a plan "B."
  • Learn a new doodle.
  • Memorize a joke.
  • Be responsible for your feelings.
  • Learn to meet your own needs.
  • Become a better listener.
  • Know your limitations and let others know them too.
  • Tell someone to have a good day in Pig Latin.
  • Throw a paper airplane.
  • Exercise every day.
  • Learn the words to a new song.
  • Get to work early.
  • Clean out one closet.
  • Play patty cake with a toddler.
  • Go on a picnic.
  • Take a different route to work.
  • Leave work early (with permission).
  • Watch a movie and eat popcorn.
  • Write a note to a far away friend.
  • Go to a ball game and scream.
  • Cook a meal and eat it by candlelight.
  • Recognize the importance of unconditional love.
  • Remember that stress is an attitude.
  • Keep a journal.
  • Practice a monster smile.
  • Remember you always have options.
  • Develop a support network of people, places and things.
  • Quit trying to "fix" other people.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Talk less and listen more.
  • Freely praise other people.
  • Relax, watch a sunset.
  • Take one day at a time…you have the rest of your life to live.

 

Action tip: Just breathe…lengthen your exhale to double the inhale.

Adapted by Dr. Carole Kunkle-Miller.