The goal of this appendix is to help you increase the number of pleasant or meaningful activities in your life. This can help bring on more balance, something especially important to do during difficult times. The best activities to choose are those you have enjoyed in the past. However, when people are feeling significantly overwhelmed or depressed, it’s often hard to think of even one potentially pleasant activity. Listed here are some suggestions to get you started.

Step one is to come up with your own list of several activities that you choose to pursue. It is also a good idea to sit down with a close friend or family member and brainstorm. Come up with a list of activities you’ve done in the past and others that you have never considered. In addition to enjoyable activities, also list some things you can do that would be interesting or meaningful.

Step two is to get out your calendar and schedule two or three of these activities per week. It may also be helpful to make a commitment to your spouse or a close friend that you will indeed do these activities (or invite them to join you). The reason for this is that people often have good intentions in planning to do these activities, but when the time comes to actually take the time to take care of themselves, it may just seem more important to attend to problematic life issues.

You must carve out time and make sure you actually follow through with pleasant activities. Also keep in mind, this is not just about having fun (although, there’s nothing wrong with that), but it is also about making sure your life maintains some balance. This, in itself, is a potent stress management strategy.