30 ways to help cope with stress

Most of us have suffered from stress at some time in our lives. In fact stress is such a huge problem that the American Medical Association says it’s a factor in more than 75% of illnesses.

Too much stress can badly affect our work, social life, relationships, health and happiness. Dealing appropriately with stress is vital so we can lead happier, healthier and more productive lives.

Below are some ideas to help cope with stress. If you have any ideas, please write them in the comments section below. If they are suitable they will be added to the list.

1. List your negative thoughts and next to them write more positive ways of thinking
2. Look for something positive in every negative situation
3. Have hope that you can find the answers and get through tough times…
4. Don’t try to fix too many people’s problems
5. Exercise often, for example do tai chi, a team sport or go for a walk
6. Meditate (preferably for at least 20 minutes once a day)
7. Do progressive muscle relaxation exercises
8. Find support from family, a friend or counsellor
9. Take some deep breaths
10. Set realistic and achievable goals and write them down
11. Do something you enjoy, such as playing an instrument, drawing, reading, painting, singing, cooking healthy food or watching a comedy
12. Think of problems as challenges to overcome, which can strengthen you and help you learn valuable life lessons
13. Be around positive uplifting people who make you happy
14. Help others, especially those less fortunate than yourself
15. Break down large tasks into small manageable tasks
16. Hug a friend, family member or pet
17. Set priorities
18. Drink relaxing herbal teas throughout the day
19. Take time out. Get away from it all. Turn off your phone. Go out for the day, go away for the weekend or go on holiday.
20. Clean your desk, closet, bathroom…
21. Look at beautiful plants and flowers
22. Smell flowers
23. Smell calming essential oils
24. Walk, ride, rollerblade…in beautiful surroundings
25. Laugh at jokes on the Internet, in magazines, books, the newspaper…
26. Read uplifting books, blog posts, poems, jokes, magazines, stories, articles…
27. Have a happy conversation with someone you like on the phone, on Skype, in-person, by email…
28. Praise yourself and others
29. Focus on the positive qualities in yourself and others
30. Set realistic limits on yourself for how much you can help others, work, clean and so on

written by Nyomi Graef