Rest. Get enough sleep by exercising, keeping the same sleep schedule all week, and winding down at bedtime. Minimize alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
Take regular breaks. Make vacations truly relaxing.
Run or do other moderate exercise--ideally at least three times a week. Choose an activity you enjoy!
Revise your thoughts, behavior, or situation.
Revise your thoughts: Find a funny way to see the situation. What would your favorite comedian say? How will you look back on yourself in two years?
Challenge negative thoughts such as black-and-white thinking, and "awfulizing."
Revise your behavior: Practice direct communication. Asking for what you want beats pouting, complaining, or exploding. Create more free time through better time management.
Revise your situation: If you can't accept or adapt to a situation, or if the situation is harming you, explore your options. At work, this could mean changing your job responsibilities, moving to another department, or leaving the organization.
Reach out to others. Visit friends. Join a club or organization of people who share your interests. Join a support group, or start your own support group.
Relax. Try deep breathing, relaxation tapes, meditation, massage, music, guided imagery, yoga, tai chi...
Reconnect with nature. Bring in houseplants, adopt an animal from a shelter, start a garden, walk to a park, or visit a wildlife sanctuary or refuge.
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My main sources of stress right now are:
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I can tell when I'm under stress because:
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Some of the healthy ways I deal with stress are:
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Some new ways I can deal with stress are:
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