Breathe
Tips to Destress and Relax Remember: • How we perceive something affects how we feel about it and how much it stresses us. • What we pay attention to grows. • If we perceive we have some control, we have a tool to reduce our stress.
Breathe Do a body scan to check for signs of stress. Smile. Check your posture.
Relaxation Response: 1. Close your eyes (if you can), become aware of your breathing. 2. Consciously relax your muscles. 3. Focus on a word or phrase that is meaningful and feels good to you. Hear the word as you exhale. 4. Let intruding thoughts pass by. When you feel stressed, ask yourself: • How are my perceptions affecting my stress level? • What can I control about this situation? • What can I do to help myself deal with the stuff I can’t change? Three things to think about that make me feel good: 1. 2. 3.
Establishing new routines: • Pick a goal that you believe you can accomplish and will make a positive difference in your life. • Start very small. • Reflect: What can I do in five minutes each day? What time of day will I do it? How will I remember to do it (build in reminders)? Who will help me do this? How will I recognize my accomplishment? • Repeat until it feels natural. • Pick another very small goal. Repeat process.
© 2014 Financial Health Institute, All Rights Reserved
Breathe Do a body scan to check for signs of stress. Smile. Check your posture.
Relaxation Response: 1. Close your eyes (if you can), become aware of your breathing. 2. Consciously relax your muscles. 3. Focus on a word or phrase that is meaningful and feels good to you. Hear the word as you exhale. 4. Let intruding thoughts pass by. When you feel stressed, ask yourself: • How are my perceptions affecting my stress level? • What can I control about this situation? • What can I do to help myself deal with the stuff I can’t change? Three things to think about that make me feel good: 1. 2. 3.
Establishing new routines: • Pick a goal that you believe you can accomplish and will make a positive difference in your life. • Start very small. • Reflect: What can I do in five minutes each day? What time of day will I do it? How will I remember to do it (build in reminders)? Who will help me do this? How will I recognize my accomplishment? • Repeat until it feels natural. • Pick another very small goal. Repeat process.
© 2014 Financial Health Institute, All Rights Reserved
