For more information on how to manage
STRESS please vist: www.gmu.edu/departments/csdc/

• GET UP EARLIER to allow yourself more time before starting the day.
• PRIORITIZE what is really critical and pace yourself accordingly.
• Before you begin your workday, PAUSE to notice what kind of day it is.
• BE REALISTIC and kind to yourself when making your "to do" list.
• TAKE LUNCH OR BREAKS away from your working area, avoid eating quickly, and do not talk about work, projects, or exams.
• Spend your LEISURE time with enthusiastic, upbeat friends. Be enthusiastic and upbeat for your friends.
• During the day, REST quietly for five minutes or take a brief walk.
• Say "NO" when you need to.
• ASK FOR HELP when you need it.
• FOCUS on immediate or short-term goals that are attainable.
• COLLECT APPRECIATION that is due. Hear praise and thank you.
• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF when you are "down and out", play your favorite song, see a movie, give up on the housework for the evening, etc.
• ANALYZE YOUR MOODS, energy, and time. Are you down at certain times of the day, week, or month? Plan and prepare.
• Use RELAXATION, meditation, music, religion, nature, or whatever to re-energize yourself.
• PAY ATTENTION to your diet, sleep, exercise, and general health.
• VOLUNTEER! Helping others is good medicine for soul and spirit. Go to GMU's Student Activities and get involved. www.gmu.edu/student/soap/html/vsu.html
• SET A GOAL. Start that project you've been putting off. Begin a self-improvement program. Go back to school. Do something for yourself.
• INITIATE; don't wait for the phone to ring. Plan an outing or a special dinner, and then call several friends to join you.
• TRAVEL. New scenery and change of pace, if only for a day or two, does wonders for the spirit. Plan on taking a friend and making a day of it.
• GO TO WORK. A full or part time job can provide extra income as well as opportunities for interaction with other people.
• TAKE A BREAK. Take time away from your children. Single parenting wears you down, so go to dinner or see a movie with friends once a week. DON'T FEEL GUILTY.
• LAUGH. Don't lose your sense of humor.
• Join A SUPPORT GROUP. The support of friends, coworkers, classmates, or other groups makes the going easier.
• Take up a new HOBBY or return to one you gave up.

Return to Tobacco Cessation Tools

Health Education Services
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