Emotional First Aid*
For Depression
  • Exercise--take a brisk walk for 30minutes
  • Do something new/different
  • Talk to a friend
  • Do an act of service
  • Make a gratitude list
For Anxiety
  • Practice slow, deep breathing
  • Exercise using the big muscles
  • Expose yourself to what makes you anxious
  • Make a list of your worries.
  • Only worry when you have made an appointment with yourself to worry.  When the time is up, do something else.


* If these Emotional First Aid ideas are not enough, please seek professional help.
For Better Sleep
  • Avoid Caffeine past 5pm
  • Avoid Alcohol late at night
  • Exercise, but not in the late evening
  • Avoid TV in the bedroom
  • Have a consistent bedtime
  • Have a comfortable tempertature for sleeping.
  • Avoid bright lights in the bedroom
  • Avoid working/playing on the computer before bed
  • Practice deep breathing as you close your eyes for sleep.
For Controlling Stress
  • Exercise regularly
  • Breathe deeply
  • Talk to a friend
  • Take a 1 minute break and imagine you are someplace wonderful
  • Stretch
  • Read a good book
  • Make the time to do something fun/different/interesting
Creswell Counseling Center