Stress: Renew Your Plan

Did you know?

Coping well with stress is something we all want. When we're able to manage stress, we perform better at work, have stronger relationships, experience more joy, and are more resilient and flexible.

When you've tried to do something about the stress in your life in the past, did you start out strong and then lose a little steam? If so, that's okay. Many people struggle with sticking to a new change. It's part of being human.

You probably learned something about yourself from times in the past when you took a little time for yourself to manage stress. And you can use that knowledge to help strengthen or change your approach for where you are in your life right now.

When you're able to cope well with stress, it can increase your brain's ability to make good decisions—so you can be the best version of yourself.

Finding your motivation

Before you think about what you might do now, it can be good to ask yourself: In the past, when I was doing something that was good for my stress level, what did I like about that?

When you have that answer, ask yourself "why?" And then ask "why?" again—and maybe even again. Here's an example of what that could look like:

Remembering why
Question Answer
What did I like about practicing deep breathing? I felt calmer.
Why do I want to feel calmer? I want to be a better parent.
Why do I want to be a better parent? Parenting is my most important job.

Getting back on track

If you can keep reminding yourself why you want to do something (not why you should do something), it can help you stick with it. We're much more likely to do things we feel we want, rather than things that feel like a to-do item.

Take a minute to think about what you've tried in the past. Was it something you really enjoyed? Was it too hard to follow through? Remember: Something as small as taking five deep breaths or taking a walk around the block can change your whole mind-set.

Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Turn off your phone a few hours before bed.
  • Sing and dance with your kids every day for just 5 minutes.
  • Once a day, think of something you're grateful for.
  • Meet a friend for coffee or tea once a week.
Questions to ask yourself

When I think about what I did in the past to cope with stress, what worked or didn't work?







Do I want to keep trying that strategy? Or is it time to change it a little or try something new?







What could I try if I only have a minute? What about 30 minutes?







Based on past experience, what might make it hard to take this time for myself?







If I were to cope better with stress, how might my life be different a year from now?