101 Ways to Cope with Stress

Get up 18 minutes early. Prepare for the morning the night before. Eat a more healthy diet. Avoid tight fitting clothes. Avoid relying on chemical aids. Set appointments ahead. Don't rely on your memory...write it down. Practice preventative maintenance. Make duplicate keys and place them in obscure, secure places outside your home and office. Say "no" more often. Set priorities in your life. Avoid negative or toxic people. Use time wisely. Simplify meal times. Always make copies of important papers. Anticipate your needs. Repair anything that doesn't work promptly. Ask for help with the jobs you dislike or cannot do yourself. Break large tasks into bite size portions. Look at challenges differently. Unclutter your life. Smile. Be prepared for rain. Pet a friendly dog or cat. Don't know all the answers. Look for the silver lining. Say something nice to someone. Teach a kid to fly a kite. Walk in the rain. Schedule play time for yourself into every day. Take a bubble bath. Be aware of the decisions you make. Making no decision is making a decision. Stop saying negative things to yourself. Visualize yourself winning. Develop your sense of humor. Stop thinking tomorrow will be a better day. Set goals for yourself. Dance a jig. Say "hello" to a stranger. Ask a friend for a hug. Look up at the stars. Practice breathing slowing. Learn to whistle a tune. Read an inspiring 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 a flower. Take stock of your accomplishments, achievements, and gifts. 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. 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, then watch them every day. Practice grace under pressure. Stand up and stretch. Always have a "plan". 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 (Boundaries). 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 drawer or closet. Play patty cake with a toddler. Go to a picnic. Take a different route to work. Leave work early (with permission). Put air freshener in your car. 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 in the mirror. Remember you always have options/choices. Have a support network of people, places and things. Quit trying to "fix" other people. Quit complaining. Get enough sleep. Talk less and listen more. Freely praise other people. PS - Relax, take each day one at a time...you have the rest of your life to live. From the DUMC Counceling Center