STRESS ACTION PLAN 1. Eat at least one hot balanced meal per day. 2. Get seven to eight hours sleep at least four nights per week. 3. Exercise to the point of perspiration (approx 20 minutes) at least three times a week. 4. Regularly attend club or social activities, and/or take up a hobby. 5. Have one or more friends to confide in about personal matters. 6. Look after your health (including eyesight, hearing, teeth). 7. Speak openly about your feelings when angry or worried. 8. Do something for fun at least once a week. 9. Limit yourself to fewer than three cups of coffee (or tea or cola drinks) per day ie: reduce caffeine. 10. Take quiet time for yourself during the day. The ten items listed above are health psychology research that has linked certain behaviours with improved resistance to stress. These healthy behaviours are your first line of defense against stress. Do what you can to increase the frequency of these items in your daily life. Adapted from Miller L H & Smith A D [1993] The Stress Solution. New York: Pocket Books. ISBN: 0-671-75319-3 THE WORSLEY CENTRE FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING 50 Bridgewater Road Walkden Worsley M28 3AE Greater Manchester United Kingdom Freephone: 0800-0199767 Mobile: 07980 559460 Email: annheathcote@theworsleycentre.co.uk Web: http://www.theworsleycentre.co.uk