See also:

• Stress and HIV
  By Terri L. Wilder, LMSW
• Six Stress-Reducing Principles for People with Chronic Conditions
  By Elizabeth E. Lehmann
• How Vulnerable Are You to Stress? Let's Take a Test!

1) Don't be afraid of stress. Learn to notice it and name it for what it is. It brings you messages and opportunities!

2) Have a good cry. Science says that tears actually get rid of chemicals in body created by stress!

3) Do something nice for someone else!

4) Get a massage from a licensed massage therapist.

5) Use meditation, and/or creative visualization.

6) Get plenty of rest.

7) Take a vacation, whether for 30 minutes, a day, a weekend or more! Do nothing or do something you love and find relaxing.

8) Exercise or do some physical activity. Move your body!

9) Simplify your life. Keep your responsibilities and obligations outside work and family to a minimum.

10) Laugh and have fun. Lighten up and spread it around.

11) Nurture yourself. Treat yourself to something you like.

12) Nurture yourself spiritually, in whatever way is meaningful for you.

13) Remember that you have the power to co-create your life! No matter what the circumstance, you can still have power over the attitude you take towards it.

National Stress Awareness Day is Wednesday, November 1, 2000, so start on you stress reduction plan today!!!

Resources

Local: (in the Atlanta, Georgia area)

Positively Living Monday Night Group (open)
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at AIDS Survival Project
404-874-7926

Women's HIV Support Group (closed)
Tuesday 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at AIDS Survival Project
Must call ahead, 404-874-7926 x13

Individual Counseling and Support Groups
Positive Impact
404-589-9040

Absolute Wellness
404-264-9011
Chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and other holistic services

HIV Yoga Class
Jaya Devi Yoga Studio
Every Thursday 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
404-688-6757
No charge. Donations accepted.

Wholistic Stress Control Institute
404-755-0068

International Alternative Medicine
Free acupuncture, herbal and nutritional counseling
Every Thursday by appointment.
404-633-0233
For additional services call 770-934-IAM6

Common Ground
404-874-6425
Wellness, herbal and nutritional counseling
Wednesday 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.. No appointment necessary.

AIDS Treatment Initiatives
404-659-2437
Vitamins and nutritional supplements

National Resources:

American Psychiatric Association
202-682-6000

NIMH, Clinical Trials
301-443-4513

Stress Free Net
Information on Stress, Stress Profile

The Stress Education Center

International Stress Management Association