If you have chronic stress, you could be vulnerable to a variety of mental and physical health issues. Use this Stress Reduction Checklist as a starting point for managing your stress.

Stress Reduction Checklist

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c Build and maintain relationships:l Ask a colleague to lunchl Call, text, or email an old friend to catch upl Invite your exercise buddy for a walk and a chatl Schedule weekly meet-ups with at least one friendl Get to know new people by signing up for a class or joining a clubl Consider volunteer work—it not only counteracts loneliness, but it also allows you to give back in ways that are profoundly satisfying

c Change your attitude:l Think positive thoughts and say positive thingsl Stop overthinking every single thingl Allow yourself to stress out for a short period of time a day instead of the whole dayl Deliberately reframe life's challenges—ask yourself what opportunities they might presentl Make a gratitude list—think about what you are thankful forl Engage in active problem-solvingl Avoid perfectionism—set realistic and achievable goals

c Develop a stress relief toolkit:l Walk in a naturally beautiful settingl Meditatel Book yourself a massagel Watch a comedyl Contact one of your best friendsl Keep a journall Drink a cup of hot herbal teal Practice aromatherapy and take a hot bathl Read a good book

c Identify unhealthy coping mechanisms:l Social withdrawall Oversleepingl Over-eating sweet or fatty foodsl Using or abusing medication to relaxl Smokingl Drinking too much alcoholl Taking stress out on others (e.g., arguments, tantrums, furious outbursts)

c Be physically active:l Dance to your favorite songl Walk to the intended location instead of drivel Walk your dog (or borrow someone else's dog and walk him)l Take the stairs every time there's an optionl Find an exercise buddy and go to classes together