Scan this list for simple stress management ideas – we hope you find inspiration in this list!
- Go for a walk.
- Sign up for an online exercise, yoga, or Tai Chi class.
- Do some deep breathing and practice mindfulness throughout the day.
- What three things are you grateful for? Write it down and put it somewhere you will see it every day. Add to it.
- Say “no, thank you” sometimes and don’t explain why.
- Do nothing for a few minutes and not feel guilty.
- Go to bed early.
- Take a mental health “day off” from work.
- Keep a journal.
- Turn OFF the TV
- Find something good in EVERYone you meet.
- Make a list of your good traits.
- Have a good cry.
- Relax with a good book and/or soothing music.
- Listen to a guided relaxation. (look for free ones online)
- Listen to a positive, motivational message.
- Listen to a symphony or your favorite music.
- Watch a funny movie.
- Play your favorite music and dance to it by yourself.
- Write a special diary about your accomplishments.
- Work on your favorite puzzle.
- Work a crossword puzzle.
- Play a game.
- Browse in a book or record store as long as you want.
- Connect with family and friends
- Play the piano or other instrument.
- Take a warm bath.
- Take a sauna.
- Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, or massage.
- De-clutter a room.
- Call a good friend or several.
- Watch the sunrise or the sunset.
- Take a scenic drive.
- Fix a special dinner just for yourself and eat by candlelight.
- Buy new clothes you can afford.
- Buy yourself a stuffed animal.
- Go to a pet store and play with the animals.
- Visit a zoo.
- Go window-shopping.
- Buy yourself something special that you can afford.
- Go see a good film or stage production.
- Write a letter to an old friend.
- Bake or cook something special.
- Tell someone you appreciate them.
- Have breakfast in bed.
- Recycle your newspapers and cans.
- Donate blood.
- Look at clouds.
- Open a can of coffee.
- Listen to the rain.
- Make herbal tea.
- Sit by a fire and read.
- Take a nap.
- Fly a kite.
- Daydream.
- Doodle.
- Read a magazine.
- Bake bread.
- Tell someone you love him or her.
- Go into a hot tub or Jacuzzi.
- Go to a museum.
- Look out a window.
