21 Self Care Tips When Stressed
by John Weaver
Take a deep breath (or two). Then try some relaxation breathing (AKA box breathing), so heart-rate slows and blood pressure lowers for at least five minutes.
- 1. Take a break. Get some fresh air (and maybe a new perspective).
- 2. Go for a walk, or exercise in an inconspicuous area near your work station (stretching, bending, etc).
- 3. Take a nap – sleep is critically important.
- 4. Listen to some music (and maybe even get your groove on) – hearing the right songs will adjust your attitude and lift your spirits.
- 5. Be reasonable with caffeine, nicotine, and adult beverages (not a good time to quit but neither is it a good time to kick it up a notch).
- 6. Keep in contact with friends and family by telephone, text, e-mail, or Skype.
- 7. Hydrate! (dehydration is dangerous and no one likes being around you when you have a nasty headache).
- 8. Have a healthy snack (e.g., fruit, nuts, yogurt) when you need energy.
- 9. Check how your sports teams are doing (unless they’re in crash and burn mode – you don’t need to add more stress).
- 10. Once in a while it is okay to start a meal with dessert (in case there is an emergency or you are worried about your weight, you can skip the meal).
- 11. Play a game with someone – hangman, tic tac toe, 20 questions, etc., or make up your own game.
- 12. Read a book/magazine you brought, or participant workbooks of various activities, or whatever is available.
- 13. Take a little time off.
- 14. If something bad happens, write it up immediately. Putting it on the right form now helps get it out of your head, so you can move on to better things.
- 15. Practice positive self talk (best to do this silently or in private so people won’t begin to wonder about you).
- 16. Isolation is bad; reliance on peer support is good. Stay connected, talk things out, and you’ll be supported.
- 17. Cry if you want to (or need to). Allowing tears to come can wash away some of the pain.
- 18. Ask for help when you need it – it’s okay!
- 19. Journal – write about your experiences (positive and negative) noting what you see and hear, feel, and hope.
- 20. Reflect upon and remember what worked and forgive (don’t relive) things that didn’t
