Week 4: Stress Management

Improving sleep will help you manage stress. Managing stress will help you improve your sleep.

Relaxation Techniques

•  Help the body to relax when under stress. This minimizes the physical wear and tear from stress.

•  Help the mind relax. Where the mind goes, the body follows.

•  Help you to recognize body tension and work to reduce it. The more these techniques are practiced, the easier they are to do.

•  Help you resist stress. The more you practice, the more relaxed your natural state will become.

Plan Relaxing Activities

Do leisure activities during your week. Plan a variety of activities. Include both short and long ones. Try to make at least one activity something you plan to do regularly.

Here are a few ideas of activities you can try. For activities that are not part of your routine, write if and when you would like to try them.

Leisure & Recreation Activities

•  Take a warm bath

•  Read a book

•  Look through photo albums

•  Listen to music

•  Write in your journal or a notebook

•  Get a massage

•  Swim or play in a pool or lake

•  Knit, sew, or do another hobby

•  Watch a movie, especially a comedy

•  Do yoga

•  Meditate

•  Take a few deep breaths

•  Get a manicure or pedicure

•  Ride a bike

•  Go for a walk

•  Play with your pet

•  Play with animals at a pet store or pet shelter

•  Go to a park

•  Sit near water

•  Sketch what you see

•  Volunteer at a soup kitchen, shelter, or other place in the community

•  Write a letter or a card