Taking Control of Your Response to Stress

Taking Control of Your Response to Stress

The first step in taking control of your stress levels involves identifying your stressor and your body’s response to them. When you can recognize that you are stressed, you can use one of several relaxation techniques to reduce your stress levels.

• Take a deep breath
• Stretch during the day, especially if you sit at a desk or talk on the phone
• Take a time out and divert your attention for 5 minutes: walk around the block, look out the window
• Listen to a 10-minute relaxation tape
• Listen to soothing music
• Appreciate something beautiful
• Do something physical
• Pick a small task and finish it
• Take a moment to pray for someone less fortunate than you
• Watch fish swim in an aquarium
• Scan your body for tension and consciously release it
• Have a cup of caffeine-free, calming tea
• Leave 15 minutes early for your next appointment and take your time getting there
• Call a friend and hear some good news
• Repeat a prayer and put things in perspective

Source: Mary L. Hardy, MD, Cedars-Sinai Integrative Medicine Medical Group