19 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE STRESS

We are living in unprecedented and very stressful times. Every single one of us has experienced some level of stress in our lives and probably even more so in recent times, given the global pandemic and stressful current events, compounded with racial tension in the world. We are living in probably the most stressful times in history.  

There are many people still working from home , while taking care of their children and others, (essential workers) who have had to go to work during the entire quarantine.  Everyone is different and has a unique approach of how to relieve stress and what works for them.  This is not about politics or race or how to solve the world's problems, this is simply a guideline and idea to follow on ways to try to reduce your stress individually.

Below is a list of 19 things that can help to reduce your stress, compiled by Bob Schmidt, MS, LPC

1. Make time for self care each day; Listen to music, read, meditate, watch a movie.
2. Think positively and surround yourself with others who think the same.
3. Avoid the trap of demanding too much of yourself. Ask for help if tasks are too big for you.
4. Accept that you can’t control every situation.
5. At the start of each day, write down your list of things to do and then set reachable goals.
6. Divide big tasks into smaller more manageable ones.
7. Eat a well balanced diet. Avoid too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
8. Get plenty of sleep at night. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to a professional about it.
9. Exercise moderately on a daily basis.
10. Re-frame your mistakes. Make them opportunities to learn.
11. It’s okay to say “no” to things that will only stress you out.
12. Talk to someone; a friend, a counselor, a religious leader.
13. Be ready to admit when you are wrong. It takes a big person to apologize.
14. Laugh! Look for the humor in life and take time to have fun. Watch a funny movie, read a funny book, Etc.
15. When you are feeling stressed or upset take a deep breath! Take long deep breaths and exhale slowly.
16. Remember that it is okay to cry. In fact, it is healthy to cry.
17. Let go of your anger. Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and hoping someone else will die. It really only hurts YOU!
18. Gratitude: Appreciate what you have instead of feeling bad about what others have
19. Forgive people who have wronged you. You may need to to forgive them each day, but it will help you in the long run.

Remember, "Life Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Wonderful!"

(ref. www.Bob SchmidtLPC.com)