10 Daily Steps for Less Stress

DAILY STEPS p 10A for LESS STRESS 1. MANAGE YOUR TIME Flexible little routines lower stress by increasing daily predictability to do: O groceries O laundry call mom O exercise Remember that your schedule doesn't need to be rigid Create short lists for today and not beyond the weekend Say out loud what you are grateful for each day 2. PREPARE FOR THE DAY Take 10 minutes each evening to prepare for the next day Write down meal plans and pack lunches ahead of time Pick out clothing, set out shoes, and put items you need in one place Call or arrange meetings with positive and/or funny friends 3. ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS Slow down and enjoy the moment you're in Focus on the details of your everyday activities 4. MOVE OFTEN Regular exercise reduces stress and improves health Small spurts of activity work well even if you can't schedule a workout A 10-minute walk can be as beneficial as a 45-minute workout to relieve anxiety 5. LAUGH OFTEN Laughter... Releases endorphins that improve mood and immune health Lowers levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine Improves management of physical pain 6. ENJOY NATURE & CREATIVITY Spending time outdoors is a natural antidepressant Natural scents and sights have a calming effect Take time to enjoy art, music, and dance 7. BREATHE DEEPLY Take 5 minutes to breathe slowly and deeply when you feel anxious Slow breaths reduce stress hormones in the body and lower heart rate and blood pressure 8. MEDITATE DAILY Meditation is about finding inner peace You don't need to learn to meditate Find simple ways to clear your mind like taking a bath or listening to soft music Focus on your breathing (see step 7) 9. KEEP A JOY JOURNAL Journaling promotes reflection and organization of thoughts today's joys Entries can be long or short Journal positive situations, achievements, and the little things Remember what you are grateful for 10. SLEEP WELL! SOURCES: http://www.livescience.com/35957-lower-stress-tips.html http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relax- ation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/reduce-stress?fullpage=1 http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxietylexercise-stress-and-anxiety http://www.athleta.net/2011/02/23/reduce-stress-in-the-great-outdoors/ PROVIDED BY: University Hospital& Mledical Center WWW.UHMCHEALTHBLOG.COM