10.2: Reduce Stress in 10-Minutes

Lab 10.2

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You can reduce stress in 10-15 minutes just by taking some time out to do something that is not one of your daily obligations. Try one of the following activities (Falcone, 2022) or do something you love that is meaningful to you:

• Get outside. Take a nature walk or city hike.
• Take a dance break!
• Write three things you are grateful for today.
• Giving back to others can help you too. Take a look at volunteer opportunities that interest you through a site such as VolunteerMatch.
• Take a break from the news today… watch or listen to something fun.
• Wash your face or rinse your hands in cool water to reduce tension and calm nerves.
• Check in with a friend, family member or neighbor. Talk by phone, video chat or visit in person while maintaining proper distance and wearing masks.
• Close your eyes, take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Laugh! Think of someone who makes you laugh or the last time you laughed so hard you cried.
• Channel your energy into a quick cleaning of your home.
• Exercise. Lift weights. Do push-ups or sit-ups. Kick around a soccer ball.
• Make and enjoy a cup of tea and relax in a comfortable place.
• Consider a new hobby, such as playing a musical instrument, gardening, trying a new recipe, working on a crossword puzzle or knitting.
• Connect with your faith through prayer or reach out to a member of your faith community.
• If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, sadness or depressed mood, use this time to make an appointment with a counselor.
• Check in with yourself - take time to ask yourself how you are feeling.
• Curl up with a book or magazine in a comfortable place.
• Practice relaxation exercises or yoga.
• Find an inspiring song or quote and write it down (or screenshot it) so you have it nearby.