1 . Give yourself plenty of time to get used to one big change in your life (graduation, marriage, new baby, new job, etc.) before you take on another big change. Spread big changes over time.
2 . The more expensive something is, the more stress you’ll feel if you lose it or it breaks. (A Timex watch left in a washroom is no big deal.)
3 . Remind yourself that you are not the reason for everyone’s bad mood (“He’s in a terrible mood; it must be something I said/did.”)
4 . Don’t pin negative labels on yourself. Forgetting an appointment only means that you forgot an appointment; it doesn’t mean you’re “scatterbrained.”
5 . “Take a one minute vacation” and look out the window at a sauntering cat, a construction project, etc.

6 . Focus on understanding rather than on being understood; on loving rather than on being loved.
7 . Hug someone.
8 . Put your feet up and daydream.
9 . Learn to delegate responsibility to capable others.
10 . Less is more. Being happy with one dog does not mean you’ll be happy if you get another dog.
11 . Get together with a friend who has a good sense of humor.
12 . Remind yourself that there’s no one in this world who is more important than you are; and there is no one who is less important.
13 . Eliminate or restrict the amount of caffeine, sugar, and alcohol in your diet.
14 . Are you human? Well then, it’s OK to make a mistake.

15 . Learn to ignore what you can’t control; learn to control what you can.
16 . Do something nice for someone else.
17 . Avoid people who bring you down.
18 . Listen more.
19 . Dance like no one can see you
20 . Talk less.
21 . Be good. Do good.
22 . Talk about your problems with a trusted friend or, if necessary, a health professional. Try to nip things in the bud.
23 . Hit some tennis balls or golf balls, or go on a hike. Go for a swim.
24 . Limit your number of evenings out to one or two per week.
25 . Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
26 . Choose hobbies and leisure activities that are different from your work. If you work with your hands, choose an activity that involves your whole body. If you work with a lot of people, choose an activity you can do alone, etc.

27 . Remember that the best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.
28 . See “failures” as stepping stones rather than road-blocks.
29 . How much is a certain has-sle worth in terms of money? (Is fighting a $20 parking ticket in court really worth the time and trou-ble?)
30 . Be willing to sit on your ego and let someone else get the recognition, catch the ball, etc.
31 . Watch fish swim in an aquarium.
32 . Be careful of falling into an “I want it now” mentality. Computers, fax machines, and microwave ovens work fast; people work slower.
33 . On Friday afternoon (or the last day of your work week), take a few minutes to really clean up your work area — sharpen pencils, restock supplies, dust, file, etc. On Monday morning, you’ll be organized and feel fresh.
34 . Keep a book of favorite cartoons at your desk or work station to sneak a peek at during times of stress.

35 . Consider taking breaks and/or eating lunch alone. Get away from “shop talk” and other people — if just for a few minutes.

36 . Don’t gossip and don’t listen to gossip — both can get you into trouble.

37 . If you have 10 days of va-cation time each year, con-sider taking a one week vacation, and using the other five days to make three-day weekends spread through-out the year.

38 . Hate to do laundry? What if you had to do it all by hand? Gratefulness can make a job pleas-ant.
39 . Another option: if you dread a particular household job, look into getting someone else to do it for you on a routine basis. It’s worth a few bucks if it reduces your stress.
40 . Watch an old movie with the phone turned off and a bowl of popcorn in your lap. Make a cup of hot chocolate.

41 . Look through a favorite photo album. Take a hot shower, bubble bath or hot tub.
42 . Pet a sleeping cat or dog.
43 . Play the piano or your favorite musical instrument.
44 . Make a peaceful quiet home. Create your own sacred space. Light some candles.
45 . Do your best and leave the rest. Remember that humility, love, and patience can surmount most troubles.