Stress Management Tips

• Think positive thoughts -- remember: 2nd star to the right and straight on 'til morning!
  
• Get up 15 minutes earlier than normal each morning.  Those extra minutes will help you get those "little things" done and you won't worry so much about being late.
  
• Reduce your caffeine intake.  Not only will you sleep better, but if you drink less caffeine overall, you'll get more of a boost when you do drink it.
  
• Avoid procrastination (tip: don't put this one off until tomorrow!)
  
• Schedule a reasonable day.
  
• Learn to SAY NO.  And mean it.
  
• Take a break and stretch.  Get some tips from a Yoga video and use those stretches throughout your day.
  
• Forget about counting to 10. Count to 100.  Or 1,000.
  
• Hug a pet.  The simple act of petting a dog or cat can calm & relax you, lower your blood pressure, and make you happier in general.  If you don't have a pet, or can't have one, "borrow" a friend's pet, or volunteer at your local animal shelter.  Just a few minutes a week can make a big difference in your life...and theirs!  You'll get the pet-petting bonus, as well as a "warm fuzzy" knowing you helped an animal in need.
  
• Practice deep breathing (works best in combination with the stretching tip!)
  
• Develop an exercise routine (it's a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise or diet).
  
• See your doctor anyway for a complete physical.
  
• Be good to yourself.  Take your vitamins, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and indulge every now and then.  Enjoy life!
  
• Practice forgiveness.  Nothing wears us down faster than bearing a grudge.
  
• Make duplicates of all of your keys and keep them in a safe place.  That way if you do happen to lose your original set, or just misplace them, it won't be a major catastrophe.
  
• Monitor your thoughts.  If you find yourself mentally stressing or thinking negatively, stop, breathe, and destress.
  
• Relax your standards.  Remember that some things don't have to be absolutely perfect.  Save the top standards for the things that really matter.
  
• Prepare for the next morning the night before.  Having your clothes laid out and a lunch ready in the fridge will make the morning go so much easier.
  
• Make sure to laugh each day.  Read the funnies, tell a joke, ask a friend or coworker to tell a joke.