8 Ways to Decrease Stress Daily Resources: WebMD.org adaa.org livescience.com

1. Manage Time Keep a flexible routine, this allows for reduced stress and leaves room for last minute changes. Create short lists for the day or week. Try not to plan things too far ahead of time. Remind yourself each day of what you are grateful for.

2. Prepare for the Day Take time each day to prepare for the next. Make lunches ahead of time, lay out clothes for you and family members for the next day. Pack lunches and bags that need to be taken to school or work. Try to do one load of laundry each night to decrease the amount of clutter. Use a family calendar so everyone can prepare for what is on the schedule. Prep food and create meal plans for quick and easy dinners.

3. Enjoy the Little Things Live in the moment. Power off and take a moment to reflect on what you enjoyed each day. Slow down and be thankful for things around you. Focus on the details of everything you get to do in your daily life.

4. Move Often Regular exercise decreases stress and anxiety. 10-15 minute exercise sessions can have the same effect on stress as longer scheduled workouts. Move and stretch regularly. Use a fit bit or something similar to remind you to move throughout the day. Try some of these workplace apparatus’ for an easy way to get movement into your day. Standing Desks Treadmill Work Stations Stability ball chair

5. Laugh Often Laughing releases endorphins which improves mood and immune health. Lowers levels of the bodies stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Improves physical pain management.

6. Enjoy Nature and Creativity Spending time outside is a natural anti-depressant. Take advantage of the landscapes and walking trails around your building. Outdoor sights and smells have an extremely calming effect on our minds and bodies. Try to take advantage of this all year around! Go outside with your family and find parks, playgrounds and trails near you!

7. Breathe Deeply When things get stressful, it is best to take a step away from the situation, breath slowly and deep for 5 minutes then revisit the task for a fresh start. Slow breaths help to reduce stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure.

8. Keep a Journal Journaling allows one to reflect on the day or week. It keeps us accountable for achieving goals and wants in life. Remember keep it simple, entries don’t have to be long they can be a few key words or phrases. Journal the all things good or bad, small and large. We are more apt to stay accountable to things we write down.