* Take a walk: Hike in the woods, on a local nature trail, or around your local area. The exercise will do you good and you never know what you’ll see or who you’ll meet.
* Take a nap: The National Sleep Foundation says a short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance.
* Smile: Did you know the simple act of smiling (even without a reason) can make you feel happy?
* Read: A 2009 study showed that it took participants only six minutes to relax once they started reading. For the purposes of stress relief we suggest you forgo info heavy texts for a good novel or self-help books.
* Play: What is play? It’s any purposeless kind of fun.
* Get a few minutes of fresh air and sunlight
* Have a good cry: Supposedly stress-related tears help the body rid itself of nasty cortisol (aka the stress hormone) raising chemicals.
* Engage in a game or activity that requires focus: jogsaws, crosswords, sudoko or crafts are all great ways to do something different.
* Plan a night out with friends: Go to your favorite restaurant, see a show, or attend a sporting event.
* Establish a better work/life balance: Here’s how to stop work overload with a few simple boundaries.
* Breathe:
* Listen to your favorite music playlist: Music can have a positive impact on both our physical and emotional health, from reducing the perceived intensity of pain to relieving symptoms of depression.
* Go somewhere that makes you feel at ease
*Spring clean: You can donate any unwanted items to the YBTC charity shop
* Take stock of your support system: Who can you count on and how?
* Look through old photographs
* Have one-on-one time with your children (that means one child at a time)
* Watch funny you tube videos or a comedy show or film on TV
* Have some self-compassion
* Plan a weekend getaway
* Treat yourself to a day of relaxation: Not a fan of the spa? Relax at home
* Try a new hobby, like: Photograph, Journaling, Scrapbooking or Cooking/baking
* Make your annual doctors and dentist appointments (I know groan, but good health is a part of good self-care).
* Cross something off of your bucket list, if you don't have one - make one!
* Get into an exercise routine
* Detox! Cut back on your alcohol intake
* Get Creative: Be creative
* Join a support group: Among other benefits, support groups can help you gain a sense of empowerment and feel less lonely. The YBTC Bereavement Support Group may be just the thing for you to meet people who understand
* Seek grief support: contact us on 0113 340 0111 or email support@yorksbtc.org.uk We are here for you
* Healthy eating: Make a plan to start eating healthy
* Then go eat a piece of chocolate and pour yourself a cup of coffee
* Get on the floor and play with your kids (or pet)
* Find a quiet place where you can be alone with your thoughts
* Better yet, try a warm shower or a bubble bath
* See a counsellor or therapist: YBTC have qualified counsellors that you can access
* Visit your place of worship and spend time in prayer
* Join a club or group of any kind: There’s benefit in joining any group that gathers around something you like – camera clubs, choirs, widower happy hours, etc.
* Volunteer your time
* Don’t let things hang over your head: Either do them or choose not to let not getting them done stress you out.
* Sing at the top of your lungs: Research has shown that singing is like a tranquilizer that both soothes your nerves and makes you feel happy.
* Dance with reckless abandon
* Open your windows
* Allow yourself a day of unapologetic sulking
* Retail Therapy – Is it real?? Pssh…who cares?
* Sttttrrreeeetttccchhhh: Here’s a guide to 10 basic stretches
* Spend time in a place where you feel close to your deceased loved one(s)
* Play a sport: Play by yourself or join a local team
* Take a yoga class
* Find ways to make your workday healthier
* Phone an old friend
* Throw your plans out the window and spend a few days schedule-free
* Practice deep breathing
* Go for a drive
* Limit the time you spend on the Internet and Social Media
* Listen to music