25 ways to calm my nerves

1. Walk 10 minutes. This will help your body relax and release energy that may be causing your anxiety.

2. Listen to music or a relaxation CD. This will help distract you from thinking about your current stressors.

3. Stop obsessive thoughts. Staying busy as much as possible outside your home is even better to avoid getting bored.

4. Stop talking about your past. If necessary, seek advice for professional help. Soon after, try to move on with your life and put your past behind you.

5. Breathe slowly. This will help you relieve some of the stress you are experiencing in a matter of minutes.

6. Count to ten. This technique can help you stay focused and avoid saying or engaging in inappropriate behaviors that you would later regret.

7. Use positive affirmations. Talking to yourself is always a useful self-care tool that you can depend on whenever you want to avoid a nervous breakdown or lose control over your feelings.

8. Be kind to yourself. Avoid putting yourself down or being negative, as this will only stress you out more.

9. Sleep or take a nap. Rest is important when taking care of the body. When you get tired, you become irritable and stressed, which can lead to health problems.

10. Talk to a friend or family member. Sharing stressors with people you can trust helps ease tension and may lead you to find a solution.

11. Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause increased anxiety.

12. Get a body massage: This is good for muscle tension. Your muscles may be tense, creating more stress.

13. Time management: Set priorities and use your time wisely. Do what you can with the time in order of importance and continue when you can.

14. Avoid being in a rush. It is a bad habit that can lead to anxiety problems in the future. It is also an unnecessary stressor that can be avoided.

15. Stop working so hard. You should always try to balance your life when it comes to your family and your work. Too much work can lead to serious health problems, and a lack of personal time can lead to relationship problems and serious emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression.

16. Ask for help. It can be helpful to receive support and / or advice from family and friends during a difficult and stressful time.

17. Do something fun. Fun is always good for stress and life in general.

18. Live today and plan for tomorrow. Take it one day at a time to avoid becoming overloaded with too much worry and / or planning that can wait for another day.

19. Write in a journal. Share what you have in mind and what feelings you may have to help him unburden himself.

20. Laugh or smile more. This is somewhat relaxing and helps one maintain a good mood and a positive attitude. Watch a funny show, movie, or go to a comedy club near you.

21. Choose your battles wisely. Learn to ignore or let go of the little things. (eg, losing money, items, forgetting things, troublesome people, etc.) If it’s not worth your time and can be ignored, go ahead and don’t look back.

22. Clean your house. Cleanliness and organization can be very good for stress and comfort. It will also help you stay busy and on track with your home.

23. Be optimistic. Stop being negative, as this is very stressful for yourself all day, every day.

24. Stop trying to be perfect. Nothing is nor will be. This only creates false expectations, causing one to become overly stressed in certain situations.

25. Stop trying to always be in control. Learn to relax and do what you can. Being able to accept what one can and cannot control is not easy, but it is also helpful when it comes to everyday stressors. This is also an example of one choosing his battles.

Written by: Tamara A. Monell, LMHC

Date: 06-11-07