The National Mental Health Association recommends the following strategies for coping with stress:
If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your family's) learn to say "NO"
Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary, or ask someone else to help
Be willing to listen to others' suggestions, and be ready to compromise
Don't expect perfection from yourself or others
Take time to listen to music, relax, and try to think of pleasant things or nothing at all
Use your imagination, and picture how you can manage a stressful situation more successfully
Take one thing at a time
Exercise. Twenty to thirty minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind.
Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy
Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol (alcohol actually disturbs, not helps, regular sleep patterns), get adequate rest, exercise, and balance work and play
Let friends and family provide love, support, and guidance- don't try to cope alone
Make allowances for others' opinions and be prepared to compromise
Go easy with criticism. You may expect too much of yourself and others.
