1. Take a 10-minute walk. This will help your body relax and release energy that may be causing your anxiety.
2. Listen to some music or a relaxation CD. This will help take your mind off your current stressors.
3. Stop obsessive thoughts. Staying busy as much as possible outside of your home is even better to avoid getting bored.
4. Stop talking about your past. If necessary, seek advice for professional help. Soon after, try to move on with your life and leave your past behind.
5. Breathe slowly. This will help relieve some of the tension you’re experiencing in a matter of minutes.
6. Count to ten. This technique can help you stay focused and avoid saying or engaging in inappropriate behavior that you will later regret.
7. Use positive affirmations. Talking to yourself is always a useful self-care tool that you can rely on whenever you want to avoid a nervous breakdown or losing control of your feelings.
8. Be kind to yourself. Avoid putting yourself down or being negative, as this will only stress you out more.
9. Sleep or take a nap. Rest is important when it comes to taking care of your own body. When you get tired, you become irritable and stressed, which can lead to health problems.
10. Talk to a friend or family member. Sharing stressors with people you can trust helps relieve tension and may lead you to find a solution.
11. Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause increased anxiety.
12. Get a body massage – This is good for muscle tension. Your muscles may be tense, which leads to more stress.
13. Time Management – Prioritize and use your time wisely. Do what you can with the time you have in order of importance and continue when you can.
14. Avoid being in a hurry. It is a bad habit that can lead to anxiety problems in the future. It is also an unnecessary stressor that one can avoid.
15. Stop working so hard. You should always try to balance your life when it comes to your family and work. Too much work can lead to serious health problems, and not enough personal time can lead to relationship problems and severe emotional problems, including anxiety and depression.
16. Ask for help. It can be helpful to get support and/or advice from family and friends during a difficult and stressful time.
17. Do something fun. Fun is always good for stress and life in general.
18. Live today and plan for tomorrow. Take it one day at a time to avoid overloading yourself with too many worries and/or plans that can wait for another day.
19. Write in a journal. Share what’s on your mind and any feelings you may have to help get them off your chest.
20. Laugh or smile more. This is a relaxing thing to do and helps maintain a good mood and positive attitude. Watch a funny show, movie, or go to a comedy club near you.
21. Choose your battles wisely. Learn to ignore or let go of the little things. (eg losing money, items, forgetting things, troublesome people, etc.) If it’s not worth it and can be ignored, do it and don’t look back.
22. Clean your house. Cleanliness and organization can be very good for stress and comfort. It will also help you stay busy and keep up with your household.
23. Be optimistic. Stop being negative, as this is a very stressful thing for oneself all day, every day.
24. Stop trying to be perfect. Nothing ever is or will be. This only provides false expectations, leading to one becoming overly stressed about certain situations.
25. Stop trying to always be in control. Learn to relax and do what you can. Being able to accept what one can and cannot control is not easy, but it also helps when dealing with everyday stressors. This is also an example of one choosing their battles.
Written By: Tamara A. Monell, LMHC
Date: 11-06-07
