Self-Help Tool Kit

I don't want to harp about how important it is to control your stress, since I'm sure you know all about the physical as well as emotional health risks. Instead, I want to give you a resource that you can go to when you need to de-stress. It's as simple as having your very own personal self-help tool kit.

Here are several strategies you can put into your tool kit. Try them all and then make a note of which ones are most effective. Probably they all will work at one time or another. This is how your Self-Help Tool Kit is created. Refer to the kit as needed. It is your immediate resource for helping you unwind and chill out from your busy, demanding day.

1. Keep a journal/diary to keep track of how you're feeling and to deescalate your negative feelings. Start each sentence with "I am..." to maintain ownership and to stay in a positive mindset.

2. Talk to someone who will listen. Take an inventory of those people you can trust who can assist you with support, encouragement and honest feedback.

3. Find humor in most situations. Laughter is genuinely good medicine and can diffuse a tense situation by showing you the lighter side. Laugh whenever you can.

4. Pray or read inspirational material. The power of prayer is very strong in healing your spirit and supporting emotional health. Pray for wisdom, guidance and strength.

5. Meditate to improve concentration, increase oxygen to the brain, reduce anxiety and relax your body. Aim for 10-20 minutes a day, preferably in the morning.

6. Be aware of your self-talk. Do you frequently use the words "always" and "never" to describe your reality? "This always happens to me." "I never catch a break." These words sabotage and are defeatist. Change your dialogue to "can" and "am."

7. Listen to music, preferably something soothing to calm you and put you in a relaxed mood.

8. Watch a light-hearted movie or sit-com. The distraction would be a good way to change your mood and perspective.

9. "Anchor" pleasant, positive, joyful feelings onto a particular object that is worn or carried with you often. The next time you feel stressed, hold on to that object and you will be reminded of the calming effect it has on you.

Hans Selye says, "Nothing erases unpleasant thoughts more effectively than conscious concentration on pleasant ones." Therefore, when your thoughts are focused on available solutions and effective strategies for reducing stress, you'll be better prepared to follow through.

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life and 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50 and Yes, 60!

More Stress Relief Articles

From Self-Help Tool Kit Return to Home