- Basic Relaxation
Use this section to find ways to relax, manage stress, improve sleep, develop a calming breath, and help yourself! Feel free to stop by the Counseling Center if you would like to discuss your experience with a clinician.
Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment. Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically and has been found to be a key element in happiness. Learn more about mindfulness here and to begin your practice of MINDFULNESS here.
A. By yourself (listen to music, take a walk, read a novel, TV)
B. With others (do things with people you like)
A. Nutrition- avoid too much caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, drugs - eat healthy food: fruits, veggies
B. Get adequate sleep
C. Exercise!!! (ideally 3+ times/week, 20-30 minutes)
A. Check off tasks-make lists & have fun checking off as you get things done
C. Don't take too much on; know your limits
A. "It's all how you look at it"; examine your thoughts for unhelpful/ untrue thoughts-argue to yourself why they are incorrect/unhelpful; then substitute more correct/helpful ones
A. Listen lots
B. Don't be passive, Don't be aggressive; Be assertive
A. Watch funny movies, TV, look for the lighter side of life
A. Slow & deep breathing; imagine pleasant scenes; tense & relax muscles; music; reading; church/prayer/meditation...
A. Friends, family
* The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (Martha Davis & others)
* The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook (Edmund J. Bourne)
* An End to Panic (Elke Zuercher-White)
* Dying of Embarrassment (Barbara G. Markway & others)
* When Anger Hurts (Matthew McKay & others)
* Mind Over Mood (Greenberger & Padesky)