Stress Institute®: Stress Tips

Breathe: Inhale deeply through your nose, and exhale out through your mouth for one minute.

Meditation: Find a quiet place, close your eyes, focus on your breath, and repeat a short phrase for 3 minutes.

Prayer: Go to your inner sanctuary and connect with your Source.

Affirmations: Memorize a three to five word positive statement, and mindfully repeat throughout the day.

Music: Listening to music for a few moments releases serotonin into your body.

Guided Imagery: Memorize a calming peaceful place where you have experienced serenity. Close your eyes and be at this place in your mind.

Nature Sound Machine: Listen to the sounds of nature—the ocean, wind, rain, a mountain brook.

Share a meal: Eat with a friend or co-worker rather than alone.

Get in a group: Sharing in community creates health.

Email a friend: Tell them how much they mean to you.

Aromatherapy: Experiment with calming fragrances, such as vanilla, lavender, and chamomile in oils, creams, or candles.

Color: Surround yourself with the colors you love.

Saunter: Take a slow walk in your favorite place in nature.

Exercise: Spend at least 20 minutes, three times a week in activity. Alternate between aerobic, flexibility and strength training.

Eat Balanced Foods: Consume eight to ten servings of fruits and vegetables daily and use organic foods whenever possible.

Mindfully drink: Consume at least eight, 8 oz. glasses of water or herbal tea (especially green tea) daily and reduce exposure to toxins in your environment.

Experiment with new types of exercises: Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong.

Eat Fish: Consume at least three servings of fish weekly. Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel have Omega-3 fatty acids.

Laugh Frequently: As often as possible, laugh to release your healing chemical endorphins.

Reestablish “childlike” qualities.

Sleep at least seven hours every day

Do one action a day mindfully, such as being really present when eating, showering, etc.

Stop smoking or using tobacco products.

Eat breakfast

Pray: It is an incredible source of healing.

Get a pet: They create mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Three times a day stop and practice deep diaphragmatic breathing— inhale healing oxygen and exhale stress.

Remain connected socially with family and friends.

Make time to read. It keeps your mind and memory active.

Keeping a journal soothes the soul.

Celebrate your successes in life.

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Saying “thank you” to someone is life giving to both of you.

Maintain optimism and a positive outlook. Being happy is healthy.

Practice altruism and philanthropy: A generous soul lives a rich, abundant life.