Quick Stress Relievers
1. Eat a bite. Take some healthy snacks to class to munch on when you feel tense (i.e.,
raw vegetables, fruit, granola, nuts).
2. Breathe and pray (meditate, whatever). Breathe deeply and rhythmically. As you do so
think a short phrase, affirmation or
prayer on the inhale/exhale as in the following:
Inhale
Exhale
I am…..At peace
I am filled…With love
I am…Alive
I forgive…Myself
Fill me…Use me
Be still…Know God
God…Loves me
Let go…Let God
3. Take some internet funnies, cartoons, something that makes you chuckle (not laugh out
loud) to class. Read them when
tense.
4. Breathe deeply!!
5. Stretch—arm and neck stretches can be done in your seat. Breathe deeply!
6. When you feel tense—add tension by tightening or flexing your muscles, then let go
and try to visualize or feel the
tension flowing away from you (breathe deeply and rhythmically while doing
this).
7. At breaks, get away. Take a quick walk around the floor you are on before returning to
class. Do NOT listen to
negative talk!! Walk away or change the subject. After walking, stretch (see if
you can stretch out and push
the wall down!
8. Think of your favorite song and hum the melody in your head in class—then sing it out
while you walk!
9. Laugh
10. Breathe, breathe, breathe—deeply!!