101 Ways to Manage Stress

S is for Self Care: 101 Ways to Manage Stress

Stress! We all experience it.  Even good things in our lives can create stress – has anyone ever planned a wedding or had a new baby?!? So much stress. Sometimes we feel like it is too much work or like we have to make grand plans to alleviate our daily stressors. Stress management really doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Here are some ideas that you can start trying today!

101 Simple Ways to Manage Stress

1. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths.
2. Call a friend.
3. Let a piece of chocolate slowly melt in your mouth savoring every minute.
4. Watch a funny movie.
5. Blow bubbles.
6. Put it on paper – write in a journal or make a list.
7. Say “No” more often.
8. Light a candle.
9. Buy yourself flowers.
10. Stretch your body.
11. Learn a new joke.
12. Avoid negative people.
13. Smile at a stranger.
14. Listen to music.
15. Dig in the garden.
16. Write yourself a note of encouragement and post it on the bathroom mirror.
17. Find a creative outlet – a hobby, a craft, a project.
18. Take a yoga class.
19. Try a new recipe.
20. Put a heating pad on your neck and shoulders.
21. Have a back up plan.
22. Keep a gratitude list or journal.
23. Set realistic goals and priorities.
24. Sing.
25. Go for a walk.
26. Look for the silver lining.
27. Meal plan for the week.
28. Take a hot bath or shower.
29. Ask for help.
30. Pet or play with an animal.
31. Go to the symphony, opera, theater, or ballet.
32. Eat dessert first.
33. Play with a child.
34. Doodle or color.
35. Get lost in a good book.
36. Wear comfortable clothes.
37. Go to the beach.
38. Go to the woods.
39. Go shopping.
40. Go out to eat.
41. Take a risk.
42. Get enough sleep.
43. Tell yourself “You can do it!” as many times as you need to!
44. Get some exercise.
45. Treat yourself to a pedicure or a massage.
46. Learn to laugh at yourself.
47. Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee.
48. Make a to-do list.
49. Celebrate your accomplishments.
50. Practice self forgiveness.
51. Dance.
52. Read a magazine.
53. Meditate or pray.
54. Be silly.
55. Play with a fidget toy or squeeze a stress ball.
56. Spend 15 minutes working on a task you have been putting off.
57. Try a new lipstick color.
58. Practice being in the moment – name 3 things you can see,  3 things you hear & 3 things you can touch.
59. People watch.
60. Sit on an exercise ball to improve your balance and core strength.
61. Ask for a hug.
62. Belly laugh.
63. Look through old photos or yearbooks.
64. Go out for ice cream.
65. Attempt to hula hoop.
66. Pay someone a compliment.
67. Bake a yummy treat.
68. Take a class or join a group.
69. Organize a drawer or closet that has been bugging you.
70. Do some jumping jacks.
71. Spend time with loved ones.
72. Volunteer.
73. Get in touch with your feelings.
74. Place a cool washcloth on your forehead.
75. Massage your hands with lotion slowly and with purpose.
76. Allow yourself to take a break.
77. Plan a vacation.
78. Look at the big picture.
79. Remind yourself that this too shall pass…
80. Identify 3 things that bring you joy no matter how small.
81. Think outside the box and open yourself up to new ideas.
82. Recognize the beauty around you.
83. Take baby steps.
84. Take it one day at a time
85. Write a thank you note or a love letter (maybe to yourself!).
86. Learn a new skill.
87. Have a picnic (an inside picnic can be fun too if the weather doesn’t cooperate).
88. Make peace with your past.
89. Forgive and move forward.
90. Play a board game or a card game.
91. Stop trying to fix others.
92. Replace your negative thoughts with something positive.
93. Practice moderation.
94. Strive for balance.
95. Go to the movies and eat popcorn.
96. Go to a concert or a show.
97. Watch the clouds go by.
98. Stargaze.
99. Talk less and listen more.
100. Use your time wisely.
101. Believe in yourself!

What else would you add to this list? Remember that not every idea works for everyone.  Pick the ones that speak to you and let go of the rest.  No guilt or beating yourself up because something doesn’t work for you. Fill your stress management toolbox with the things that work for YOU. Now go on and try one! You deserve to take better care of yourself and alleviate some of that stress.

My posts are partying at these fun Link Parties and Blog Hops!