Dr Linda Helps - 20 Little and Big Ways to De-Stress

Next time stress has you wishing you could fly to a new planet, stay on this one and try these ways to de-stress. Here are 20 little things and 20 big things that can reduce stress in your life.

Little changes

Make copies of important papers.

Make duplicate keys for your cars and home.

Take a bubble bath.

Look at art, listen to music or read a poem.

Clean one thing.

Choose your clothes the night before.

Go on a picnic.

Make needed appointments.

Write it down.

Smile and laugh more often.

Hold a baby.

Sit under the stars.

Read a great book.

Get a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Don’t wait. Do it today.

Go to a movie. Don’t forget the popcorn.

Get a massage, a facial or do anything that pampers you.

Praise someone and praise God.

Take a deep breath and physically relax your body.

Take a nature walk. Focus on God’s creation.

Bigger changes

Learn to say no.

Stop your negative self-talk.

Set goals.

Stick to your priorities.

Give yourself permission not to know all the answers.

Repair broken things.

Break big tasks down into smaller jobs.

Turn problems into challenges.

Ask for help when you need it.

Find people who will emotionally/spiritually support you.

Try to do your best, but give up perfection.

Exercise, eat well and get enough sleep.

Problem-solve. There is always another way.

Live one day at a time.

Keep your relationship with God strong. Read what God has to say (in the Bible), and talk to God (through prayer).

Resolve conflicts when they arise.

Cut down on busy activity, and give yourself time to rest.

Stop thinking tomorrow will be better. Make things better today.

Get a pet and experience unconditional love.

Enumerate the good things that have happened to you.

These are hardly exhaustive lists. You can come up with your own lists. Take a moment and write down things you do that help alleviate stress. Then, determine to do a few of those things every day or try a few things on these lists. The goal is to take care of your body, mind and spirit.


Dr. Mintle – author, professor, Approved Supervisor and Clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy – is a speaker and media personality, as well as a licensed clinical social worker with twenty years in psychotherapy practice. For more articles by Dr. Mintle, go to drlindahelps@silaspartners.com






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