Who hasn’t felt stressed at one point or another?  Sometimes life begins to get stressful and we feel as through we have no control over it.  Even if we feel like we don’t have control over the stress in our lives, there is always something we can do to help ourselves.  Sometimes the stress is so significant that we feel like there is nothing we can do will help.  Try a few of these things.  See what works best for you. Everyone is different.  If one thing doesn’t work, try something else.  Don’t give up!

1. Get outside
   • Breath in the fresh air
   • Feel the sunshine on your skin
   • Feel the wind across your face
   • Listen to the trees rustle, the horns honking, the children playing, the dogs barking, etc.
2. Exercise
   • Find something you enjoy doing
   • Go for a run or a bike ride
   • Skateboard or rollerblade
   • Go to the gym
   • Walk around the block
   • Play Wii fit
   • Dance
   • Play a sport
3. Laugh
   • Watch a funny video on YouTube
   • Read a funny book
   • Watch a funny movie or TV show
   • Don’t be afraid to act silly
4. Take a hot shower
   • Let the shower wash away your stress
   • The steam helps you breathe easier
   • The warm water soothes your tense muscles
   • Visualize your stress going down the drain
5. Get a good night’s rest
   • Try going to bed at the same time every night
   • Shut off all electronics when you lay in your bed
   • Sleep helps heal your body from stress
6. Learn to say NO
   • Some things we can’t say no to, but say no to the extra things that are causing you stress.
   • Sometimes being busying isn’t always the best thing for you.
7. Give yourself affirmations
   • Tell yourself positive messages
   • “I can do this”
   • “I will get through this”
   • “I am relaxed”
8. Breathe deeply
   • Inhale through your nose while counting to 5
   • Exhale through your mouth while counting to 5
   • Imagine all of your stress leaving your body with the air
   • Do this a few times until you begin to feel calm
9. Look forward to something
   • Make plans to do something fun
   • Look forward to watching your favorite show
   • Look forward to watching a new movie
   • You can look forward to anything that brings your joy
10. Pet an animal
    • Research proves that petting an animal can reduce your stress
    • Cuddle up with your pet
    • If you don’t have a pet go to a friend or family members house who does

These are just a few options.  These may not work for you and that’s okay.  There are plenty of other things that you can do to help alleviate some of your stress.  Here at New Hope, our mental health counselors would be more than happy to help you find what works best for you!