If you have chronic stress, you could be vulnerable to a variety of mental and physical health issues. Use this Stress Reduction Checklist as a starting point for managing your stress. Stress Reduction Checklist DrJessNorris.com [email protected] c Build and maintain relationships: l Ask a colleague to lunch l Call, text, or email an old friend to catch up l Invite your exercise buddy for a walk and a chat l Schedule weekly meet-ups with at least one friend l Get to know new people by signing up for a class or joining a club l Consider volunteer work—it not only counteracts loneliness, but it also allows you to give back in ways that are profoundly satisfying c Change your attitude: l Think positive thoughts and say positive things l Stop overthinking every single thing l Allow yourself to stress out for a short period of time a day instead of the whole day l Deliberately reframe life's challenges—ask yourself what opportunities they might present l Make a gratitude list—think about what you are thankful for l Engage in active problem-solving l Avoid perfectionism—set realistic and achievable goals c Develop a stress relief toolkit: l Walk in a naturally beautiful setting l Meditate l Book yourself a massage l Watch a comedy l Contact one of your best friends l Keep a journal l Drink a cup of hot herbal tea l Practice aromatherapy and take a hot bath l Read a good book c Identify unhealthy coping mechanisms: l Social withdrawal l Oversleeping l Over-eating sweet or fatty foods l Using or abusing medication to relax l Smoking l Drinking too much alcohol l Taking stress out on others (e.g., arguments, tantrums, furious outbursts) c Be physically active: l Dance to your favorite song l Walk to the intended location instead of drive l Walk your dog (or borrow someone else's dog and walk him) l Take the stairs every time there's an option l Find an exercise buddy and go to classes together