101 Ways to Relieve Stress

101 Ways to Relieve Stress

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

• 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.

Adapted by Dr. Carole Kunkle-Miller.