Stress is the normal nervous tension we feel in our bodies when we are making a transition in our life. Change is sometimes predictable like the birth of a baby, transferring to a higher school grade or graduation from high school.

Then there are changes that happen unexpectedly, like coming down with a major illness, being involved in an accident, the sudden death of a loved one; or a disaster strikes like a major flood or fire. These types of life events demand adjustment to life being different from what is now. Some call it a new normal.

While we are going through and adjusting to the new changes, we will feel different emotions and express various moods along the way. Sometimes we may feel like we are riding a roller coaster surprised by the ups and downs of excitement or nervousness, then afraid or tense, confident or overwhelmed.  The realities of the grief we feel over our loss bring us to awareness and acceptance that we are still alive. We are still capable of learning, enjoying and developing new interests or taking on new opportunities. With each life changing event there will be moments of stress—feeling overwhelmed, powerless and sometimes lonely. Special occasion celebrations can add to our stress levels. When those moments come there are things we can do to give ourselves a break and adjust to learning and living a new normal.

Over the years I have made a list of “Stress Busters” that can help to reduce the nervous tension or offer a distraction from the uncertainties we may feel, as we work through new changes, or participate in special activities with family and friends. There is no special order to the list, just pick and choose what interests you. New ideas are always welcome, so feel free to leave a comment. 

1. Make a list of the top ten things you want, then circle the top three
2. Take a deep breath
3. Exercise
4. Listen to music
5. Tell others what helps you feel less nervous tension
6. Call a friend
7. Laugh at yourself
8. Ask others to help
9. Prioritize tasks
10. Keep your space clutter free
11. Take breaks often
12. Set realistic goals with small steps
13. Sit in the sun

14.  Build a hobby or research a special interest

15.Keep appropriate noise rules

16.  Talk things out

17. Visualize a peaceful scene or something incredibly ludicrous

18.  Chill out

19.  Plan how you want to spend your money

20. Massage tense muscles

21.  Reward yourself

22. Have an out of the ordinary lunch

23. Meditate or pray

24.  Maintain set limits

25.  Think positively

26. Count to ten

27.  Face your feelings

28. Limit junk food

29. Do neck rolls and shoulder shrugs

30. When you do something wrong, admit it and don’t do it again

31.  Believe in others

32. Believe in yourself

33. Enjoy small pleasures

34. Be kind

35.  Cry when you need to

36. Remember time heals

37.  Keep your doctor appointments

38. Take a walk

39. Be flexible

40. Stand and Stretch often

41.  Avoid distractions

42. Set reasonable homework deadlines

43. Don’t sweat the small stuff

44. Learn to say, “no”

45.  Forgive

46. Do your “To Do” list early

47.  Reflect on what gives you pleasure

48. Encourage others

49. Get up earlier

50. Break up boredom with short fun things you like to do

51. See problems as challenges

52.  Love others

53.  Love yourself

54.  Stop and focus on what is around you, appreciate what you see

55.  Never drink alcohol and drive or take illegal drugs

56.  Screen your calls

57.  Avoid over scheduling your time

58. Give hugs because you want to

59.  Accept hugs from those you feel comfortable with

60. Seek out positive people

61.  Be faithful or true to yourself

62. Read a story

63. Remember your successes

64. Laugh often

65.  Blow bubbles

66. Take a hot bath

67.  Watch a funny movie or cartoons

68. Play connect the dots

69. Write a funny story

70. Drink water

71. Take along your favorite toy or gadget

72.  Offer to help others

73.  Take a nap

74.  Play board or card games

75.  Put a puzzle together

76.  Draw or doodle on wrapping paper

77.  Play broom hockey or dodge ball with balls of wrapping paper

78. Ride a bike

79.  Make driveway, patio or sidewalk chalk art

80.Make up games with your relatives and play them

81.  Wear comfortable clothing and shoes

82. Make funny faces with someone

83. Think kind thoughts

84. Blow kisses

85. Sit by the relative who doesn’t irritate you

86. Drink warm apple juice or hot chocolate

87. Make a family collage of five minute drawings

88.Day dream

89. Plant a garden

90. Make a card for someone

91.  Show gratitude for the things you already have

92. Eat nutritious food

93. Rub your feet

94. Tell others about the choices you would like to include in your holiday plan

95.  Play in safe areas

96. Remember it takes lots of practice to remember new rules

97.  Avoid retaliation by going to a safe place

98. Practice patience by not interrupting someone’s conversation

99. Keep your loose change in a money jar and spend it on something special

100. Give to others because you really want to, not because you expect something in return

Jewel Sample 2011