Stress Busting Tips

One in four Americans experience a diagnosable mental illness.

• Learn how to relax: find activities that give you pleasure and are good for your mental and physical well-being.
• Try physical activity: running, walking, sports activity, working in the garden, etc.
• Share your stress: talk to someone about your worries, concerns, and if serious, see a mental health professional.
• Know your limits: if you feel overwhelmed with an activity, say NO.
• Take care of yourself: get enough rest and eat well.
• Make time for fun: schedule time for work and recreation.
• Be a participant: go where the fun is or offer your services in a neighborhood or volunteer organization.
• Check off your tasks: make a list of tasks, prioritize, and do one at a time.
• Give in occasionally: be flexible.
• Cry if you need to: it will relieve your anxiety or take deep breaths to release tension.
• Create a quiet scene: create a quiet, peaceful scene in your mind read a book, or play music.
• Shed the "superman/woman urge: no one is perfect, so don't expect perfection from yourself or others.
• Get a Hobby: Take on a hobby that will give you a break from your worries.