1. Admit that the law enforcement profession is a "lifestyle"
2. Talk to your family members (include them in the lifestyle)
3. Eat three meals a day, including breakfast. Super B complex - 2 in the morning, 2 at bedtime
4. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, salt and animal fat
5. Pursue a regular program of physical exercise (early in YOUR day only) or other leisure pastime
6. Get enough sleep (6 to 8 hours but avoid SEDATED sleep). Sleep deprivation can be deadly. Improve REM Sleep - 2 TBLS of honey at bedtime, Super B complex, eat Turkey and or drink milk before bed, no tv or reading in bed, 10 minute rule, allow 4 to 6 hours between exercising and bedtime, hot showers before bed to dump adrenaline, then lots of water to flush the adrenaline from body. Increase bright light before bed then add eye patch covers for sleeping. Use melatonin in place of Tylenol pm or other sedated sleeping pills.
7. Practice relaxation and breathing techniques (breath from the diaphragm)
8. Schedule time and activities alone AND with others to maintain a well rounded lifestyle (We all need our Cave time)
9. Nurture and maintain both police and NON-police friendships.
10. Stop Smoking
11. Limit alcohol intake (0 to 1 oz daily). Remember alcohol is a depressant and a sedative which will negatively impact REM sleep.
12. Pace yourself and allow for an even flow of demands. (DON'T PROCRASTINATE)
13. Identify and accept emotional needs (We all have them)
14. Recognize early warning signs, such as those discussed in this workshop
15. Recognize your abilities as well as your limitations
16. Take one thing at a time (Again DON'T PROCRASTINATE)
17. Give in once in a while (learn to be spontaneous!)
18. Find someone objective you can talk to about your worries and frustrations
19. Learn to accept the things you cannot change
20. Learn to be responsible TO others not FOR others
21. Regular physicals (At least every 12 to 18 months)
22. Do NOT measure your "self-worth" by your performance nor identify "yourself" by your profession (You are more than a COP)
23. Never let your profession rule your life.
24. LAUGH!!! (A lot . . . even if it is sick humor)
25. If Depression is a concern, seek professional help (It IS a medical condition NOT a character flaw)
26. Keep your Priorities in order:
    1. God or some higher being
    2. Yourself
    3. Your family
    4. THE JOB

 A Common Sense Approach to Stress Management