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Coping With Stress

Overview

How you cope with stress can impact how stress affects you. Choosing healthy, positive ways to cope doesn't have to be a challenge. Let your senses do the work. Take a look at the ideas below. How many might you try?

See: Looking for beauty in what's around you.

  • Step outside. Focus on the first tree, plant, or shrub you see.
  • Visit a market, and look at the plants or flowers on display.
  • Create a space in your home that gives you joy.
  • Light a candle, and concentrate on the flame.
  • Watch the stars at night.

Hear: Listening for calming sounds.

  • Listen to music that calms or motivates you.
  • Sing, or play an instrument.
  • Find an inspiring podcast or audiobook.
  • Share your story with someone you care about.
  • Listen to sounds from a relaxation app.

Feel: Finding the soothing touch.

  • Wrap yourself in a soft blanket.
  • Change into cozy clothes.
  • Ask for or give a hug to a safe person.
  • Pet a dog or cat.
  • Take a warm bath or shower.

Taste: Nourishing body and soul.

  • Make yourself a non-alcoholic drink (like tea, hot chocolate, sparkling water, or kombucha).
  • Treat yourself to some fruit or a small dessert.
  • Do something special to your food or drink. (Add nuts or fruit to a salad, for example.)
  • Make yourself an easy but nourishing meal.

Smell: Finding comfort in scent.

  • Use your favorite lotion, perfume, or cologne.
  • Light a scented candle, or try essential oils.
  • Walk into a bakery and inhale the scent of fresh bread. Or bake your own.
  • Boil cinnamon, orange peels, and cloves

How many new things did you find to try?

Are there others you might try? Write them here.

Credits

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.