Stress Relief Checklist
Table of Contents
Quick Fixes
Close your eyes, take several deep breaths and count backwards
This is a good way to deal with a stressful situation where you only have a few minutes to spare.
Turn off all digital gadgets
Step away from the computer! Shut off your phone! Even just having a few minutes of tech-free time can work wonders for your frazzled nerves. Just pretend you're on a plane and it's not allowed.
Have a cup of herbal or green tea
Besides being chock-full of antioxidants, the soothing heat and aroma from fresh tea can ease frazzled nerves. But nix the caffeine...you don't want to put yourself more on edge!
Squeeze a stress ball
These small squishy toys were popular a few years ago, but thanks to the increasingly stressful demands of 21st century life, they're making a comeback.
Listen to some calming music or nature sounds
You may not be a fan of classical music or bird calls, but studies have shown that both have soothing effects on your mind, and may even increase creativity. So relax....and let the creative juices flow.
Write it out
Jot down your thoughts in a journal or even a notepad. Just putting down your stresses in writing can help get them out of your system. You can even trash or burn the paper afterwards (just make sure you do it safely).
Spend time with your pet
Even just a few minutes of cuddling or playing with a pet can help reduce stress. Animals, unlike most people, have ;therapeutic ;properties!
Extended Remedies
Get some sleep
Sometimes a good night sleep is all it takes. Shut out all artificial light, turn off the TV and grab some well-deserved shut-eye.
Meditate
You don't have to chant "Ohm" to feel relief. Just sit in a comfortable spot, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and clear your mind. No, really, clear your mind! Focus on your breathing. Do this for at least 10 minutes a day, and you'll notice a difference.
Book a massage
Work out the tension from your muscles with a quality massage. Sure, they're not always cheap, but a good massage can leave you floating on a cloud of relaxed happiness for months.
Take a bubble bath
Not just for kids anymore, a long soak in the tub with scented bubbles is a great way to treat yourself to some aromatherapy. Enhance the mood with candles, soft music and a glass of red wine.
Indulge in a sweet (or savory) treat
Enjoy a comfort food you haven't had in awhile. Childhood treats, for example, are not only tasty but can conjur up positive memories of happiness and comfort. So have that hot-fudge brownie sundae...it's for medicinal purposes, after all.
Take a walk
Even a short walk around the neighborhood, to your favorite park or nature spot, can work wonders. Being outside in the fresh air will rejuvenate ;your spirits.
Exercise
Work it out! Cardio is great at blasting stress-inducing hormones. Go jogging or do plyometric, explosive exercises to get your heart pumping and your mind clear. Feeling especially angry? Try kickboxing for ultra stress relief.
Do Yoga
More than just stretching and muscle conditioning, Yoga is a great activity that can reduce stress and improve flexibility. If you've never tried it before, sign up for a beginner's class at your local studio. It may be the perfect remedy!
Spend time either alone or with loved ones
What stresses you out less? Maybe you need some quality time alone with a favorite book, or perhaps you feel better surrounded by close family or friends.
Have a spa day
Spas are not just for women, either - there are a seemingly endless array of spa facilities catering to all sorts of crowds. Choose from a variety of stress-relieving options, from massages and facials to hot springs and acupuncture.
Plan a vacation
If you have some time off coming, what better excuse than to go on a little trip? It could be a weekend getaway or a transatlantic cruise, but chances are you'll be getting both much-needed rest and a good dose of fun.
Download or Print this Stress Relief Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Lauren Meir
Stats
Views
87
Views: 87
Uses
19
Uses: 19
Tasks
20
Tasks: 20
Introduction
Details
If your stress level is continually running high, you could be vulnerable to a host of health woes, from chronic headaches and fatigue to high blood pressure. Find out how to ease stress with these tips from our Stress Relief Checklist. There's extended remedies as well as quick fixes for when you only have a minute to spare...so relax!
Tips
- Don't take stress-relief lightly! Stress can impair your mental and physical health, so if you're chronically stressed it's important to take time out to recuperate.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water, eat regular, nutritious meals, and get some moderate exercise. Diet and exercise both have an impact on how well your body handles stress.
Who it's for
This Stress Relief Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Stress Relief essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Stress Relief structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Stress Relief Checklist
- Save Stress Relief Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Stress Relief (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.