Healthy Choices for Managing Stress

We all need "time out" for ourselves. We all have times we need help with soothing a feeling or mood. Here are a list of possibilities that don't involve food, alcohol, or other drug use.

• Take a scented bubble bath, with candles and great music in the background.
• Go to bed early and hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
• Let yourself cry, alone or with a friend.
• Take a walk or do some vigorous exercise.
• Go to a beautiful, peaceful place.
• Talk to a sympathetic friend.
• Write in a journal.
• Dance.
• Go to a movie.
• Get a massage.
• Read a good book.

Do whatever it is you like to do or need to do to take care of yourself. You can use this list or make your own, and place it somewhere you can see it when you're in need. Include phone numbers of people you can call. Be specific!