Quick Strategies to Manage Stress
Organize Yourself
We often feel more stressed if our environment and personal space is chaotic. Create systems and adopt habits that help you manage your time, tasks, and resources efficiently. For example, declutter your personal space, create a to-do list, use a schedule or digital planner, set realistic expectations and goals, and establish a routine.
Control Your Environment
You get to control who and what is surrounding you. Consider the people and places that give you joy as well as those that tend to bring negativity. Choose your people wisely and create and an evironment that does not add to your stress level.
Extend compassion
Treat yourself and talk to yourself like you would a good friend. Know that you deserve compassion and understanding that everyone goes through difficult times and challenges.
Reward yourself
​​​Plan leisure activities and joyful experiences that you can look forward to. Take time to recharge and feel refreshed. ​​​​
Move your body
Exercise your heart and lungs regularly. Move your body a minimum of three days per week for 15-30 minutes. This includes such activities as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics, etc.
Relax
Take your mind off stress by concentrating on breathing and positive thoughts. Engage in an activity that is soothing like listening to music, taking a bath, lighting a candle, or laughing with a friend.
Rest
​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours a night) and take regular breaks. There is only so much your mind can absorb at one time. It needs time to process and integrate information. A general rule of thumb: take a ten-minute break every hour. Rest your eyes as well as your mind.
Fuel yourself
​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹Eat a balanced diet. Avoid depending on drugs and alcohol. Caffeine will keep you awake, but it also often makes it harder to concentrate. Your body responds to what you put in it – so be mindful of how you feed yourself.
Enjoy yourself
It has been shown that happier people tend to live longer, have fewer physical problems, and are more productive. Look for the humor in life when things don’t make sense. Remember, you are unique and deserve the best treatment from yourself.