1. Pleasurable Activities
A. By yourself (listen to music, take a walk, read a novel, TV)
B. With others (do things with people you like)
2. Take Care of Your Body
A. Nutrition- avoid too much caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, drugs - eat healthy food: fruits, veggies
B. Get adequate sleep
C. Exercise!!! (ideally 3+ times/week, 20-30 minutes)
3. Time Management
A. Check off tasks-make lists & have fun checking off as you get things done
B. Prioritize
C. Don't take too much on; know your limits
4. Maintain "Perspective"
A. "It's all how you look at it"; examine your thoughts for unhelpful/ untrue thoughts-argue to yourself why they are incorrect/unhelpful; then substitute more correct/helpful ones
5. Communication Skills: Getting Along with Others
A. Listen lots
B. Don't be passive, Don't be aggressive; Be assertive
6. Laugh (watch funny movies, TV, look for the lighter side of life)
7. Relaxation
A. slow & deep breathing; imagine pleasant scenes; tense & relax muscles; music; reading; church/prayer/meditation...
8. Talk to Others about Being Stressed (everyone is or has been!)
A. friends, family
B. counselors
9. Read more on the subject:
* The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (Martha Davis & others)
* The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook (Edmund J. Bourne)
* An End to Panic (Elke Zuercher-White)
* Dying of Embarrassment (Barbara G. Markway & others)
* When Anger Hurts (Matthew McKay & others)
* Mind Over Mood (Greenberger & Padesky)