nwind with gentle breathing. People who suffer from anxiety can unknowingly make it worse through altered breathing – either holding their breath or taking fast, shallow breaths. Inefficient breathing changes blood chemistry and can contribute to feeling stressed and even panicky. Make sure that you are breathing from your diaphragm; lie down and put one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your upper chest. Which moves more when you inhale? Good breathers breathe from the stomach.

otice things around you. Pick a sense to focus on as you walk around campus. You may choose your sense of vision and observe the colors and textures you see. Focusing on a sense helps reduce “thought overload.”

low down. Rushing about in an attempt to get things done faster only leads to feeling more irritable and stressed. It doesn’t take much time to slow down, and you’ll feel better for it.

ake breaks from work. Constant activity isn’t good. Take periodic breaks. Walk around, do a breathing exercise, pick a sense to focus on. You’ll feel better and return to your work refreshed.

emember that you’re normal. Yes, you’re normal, but maybe sometimes your thinking takes off like a runaway train. When you’re stressed and worried, ask yourself how a “non-anxious” person would think about the same things. Maybe it’ll become a habit.

xercise. You knew this would make the list, and you know why. Take a walk, join a lunchtime exercise group at the rec center or the Y, find a quiet place to practice some yoga positions, or get your co-workers to do jumping jacks with you. Just do it!

urround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Some people help us feel better about the world and ourselves. Find those people and stick with them! Steer clear of people whose negativity, cynicism, or edginess leaves you feeling stressed.

lowly chew your food. Spend time enjoying your food, chewing slowly, and paying attention to the taste and texture of the food. You’ll enjoy your food more and find meals more relaxing.

ase up on the coffee. Cappuccinos, espressos, lattes….ahhh! But the caffeinated ones can rev us up too much, leading to feelings of irritability and stress. Try asking for decaf or “half caf” coffee beverages.

o something nice for yourself; do something nice for someone else. The first will make you feel better; the second will make you feel like the nice person you are.

(Courtesy of Glenn Anderson, CAPS psychologist)