HealthyLife Articles

Tag: problem solving

Cross That Bridge When You Come To It

Stress Management

* Learn to accept change as a normal part of life.

* Do a “stress rehearsal.” Imagine yourself feeling calm and handling a stressful situation.

* Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and yoga.

* Accessemergency.cdc.govto learn ways to be prepared for natural disasters that are likely to occur in your area.

Dos

* Limit caffeine. It causes anxiety and increases the stress response.

* Prepare for an assignment or speech well in advance to allow time to practice it.

Don’ts

* Don’t smoke or eat high-calorie foods to deal with stress.

* Don’t take stay-awake pills to cram for an exam or assignment.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Plan Problem-Solving 2

Healthylife® QuitWell™

Part 2

Your worries and concerns take up time in your day. Many issues cannot simply be ignored or brushed aside. To avoid letting these thoughts trigger smoking or chewing habits, plan time to address them.

Steps to Address Your Worries

1. Write a worry at the top of a piece of paper. It may seem old-fashioned to write this down on paper, when so much is done on the computer or a smartphone. However, writing things down can be powerful.

2. Divide the paper into three columns:

a. What I can’t do. Recognize what is out of your control.

b. What I can do. List possible actions that are within your control. Write things you know how to do and that are realistic actions for you to take.

c. What I will do and when. Decide which action you are ready to take first. This action may not solve every part of the problem, but it is a small step toward a solution. Write when you will do this.

3. After you have taken an action towards a solution, repeat this process the next day or when you are ready to take another step.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Plan Problem-Solving

Healthylife® Weigh

Part 6

Your worries and concerns take up time in your day. Many issues cannot simply be ignored or brushed aside. To avoid letting these thoughts trigger unhealthy eating habits, plan time to address them.

Steps to Address Your Worries

1. Write a worry at the top of a piece of paper.

2. Divide the paper into three columns:

a. What I can’t do. Recognize what is out of your control.

b. What I can do. List possible actions that are within your control. Write things you know how to do and that are realistic actions for you to take.

c. What I will do. Decide which action you are ready to take first. This action may not solve every part of the problem, but is a small step toward a solution. Write when you will do this.

Mind Dump

Use this tool when you feel you have too many thoughts to juggle and aren’t sure where to start. Use small pieces of paper or index cards to “mind dump” thoughts that come to mind. Write down concerns, ideas, and things you need to remember. Pull one card and use the steps above to address this worry. Don’t pull another card until you are satisfied with your plan to deal with the first worry.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026