WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS

1. Establish a support system of friends.

2. Take part in fun and laughter — especially at yourself.

3. Be honest and assertive in expressing your feelings.

4. Practice good health habits: Rest, exercise, diet, and nutrition.

5. Accept what you cannot change: Change your attitude if necessary.

6. Choose goals and make sure they are really yours.

7. Forget the comparison syndrome.

8. Avoid becoming upset over small provocations.

9. Repeat statement such as “I like me,” or “I'm glad to be me.”

10. Plan some free time every day.

11. Learn to plan and organize priorities on a daily basis.

12. Recognize and accept your limits.

13. Establish realistic goals and concentrate on one task at a time.

14. Live by the calendar, not by the clock.

15. Be patient and tolerant of yourself and others.

16. Enrich your personal growth through interests, hobbies, skills.

17. Talk out your troubles with other people.

18. Learn to relax via deep breathing exercises.

19. Allow yourself to daydream. (Dreams may be our subconscious giving us messages on how to be more ourselves.)

20. Seek professional help when you need it.