How to Create an Action Plan to Reduce Stress
Identify Your Triggers
Make a List of Coping Strategies
- Yoga or stretching (see youtube for free basic yoga stretches for stress)
- Deep some breathing exercises (Click here for more details on breathing techniques)
- Get a massage (stress tends to get locked in the body and muscles)
- Mindfulness meditation (free videos on youtube or the insight timer app)
- Write freely in a journal everything you’re thinking and feeling
- Listen to soothing music or podcasts (maybe create a stress reduction playlist)
- Go for a walk outside or do some kind of exercise (the gym is one of my go-to’s)
- Spend time with people who make you feel safe and supported
- Get enough restful sleep every night
- Be non-judgemental and curious about your triggers so you can better understand and face them. Remember, whatever you resist will persist
- Talk to a therapist about what causes you stress
Prioritize Self Care
In addition to using coping skills, it’s important to take care of yourself on a regular basis so that stressful moments don’t become too overwhelming. This includes making sure you have nutritious meals at regular intervals throughout the day; setting aside time for yourself each day where you do something fun without any pressure; taking breaks when needed; and setting boundaries when necessary.
An action plan is essential if we want our lives to be less filled with stress and worry. Having this kind of plan handy on our phones or desk gives us tangible steps we can take whenever we need some relief from our anxious thoughts and feelings. Taking care of ourselves daily also ensures that we have the energy needed during times of difficulty so that we are able to weather whatever storm life throws our way with greater ease..
If you’re struggling with stress and need some additional support, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Asking for help is a sign of wisdom and strength, not weakness! Our team of amazing therapists at Daybreak Counseling Center are more than happy to help you identify your triggers, process the emotions and thoughts related to them, and will help you create your own action plan to reduce stress. Give us a call at (562) 566- 4257 to schedule an appointment.
- Written by Patrick Cleveland, LMFT
- Founder and Clinical Director
- Daybreak Counseling Center
We provide psychotherapy, counseling, and mental health services for children, teens, adults, and couples at our offices in Long Beach and Cerritos. We also provide convenient online video based tele-therapy sessions throughout all of California that can be conducted in the comfort of your home in accordance with your schedule. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety to parenting support, couples therapy and personal growth work. In a comfortable, confidential, and supportive atmosphere, we offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of our clients individual needs to help them attain the personal growth they’re striving to accomplish. Call us today at 562-566-4257 and we would be happy to help you set up and appointment and answer any questions you have.
About the Author
Patrick Cleveland, L.M.F.T.
October 9, 2023