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Take charge of your stress For information about ways to alleviate work-related stress, Jeni Palmer, Employee Assistance (EAP) Program counselor, will offer tips for handling stress from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13 in the Children’s Hospital lobby. She will also offer information about the support and benefits employees can receive from the EAP (including free counseling sessions).  by Jeni Bowers Palmer    MUSC Employee Assistance Program Everyone needs a way to relax and recharge after a stressful day. Two great ways to do this are to create a relaxing home and participate in a few activities that offer diversion, physical release and refreshment.   The following are some ways to create a relaxing environment: Listen to music; light candles; clean and organize your space (clutter is both a symptom and cause of stress); have a fountain; try aromatherapy (vanilla, bergamot, sage and  lavender are relaxing); ask your family/roommates for some quiet time; turn off your cell phone and don’t check your e-mail for an hour; surround yourself with people who love you; have a fish tank, birdfeeder or a butterfly garden; keep flowers in the house; decorate with pleasing colors and inspirational art; have a pet who likes to cuddle; have clean fresh sheets to get into at night ; avoid tension in the household, tell others how you feel; repair broken items as soon as you can; and open your windows and get some fresh air.   Stress-relieving activities include crossword puzzles, computer and card games; deep breathing, stretching and yoga; have a cup of tea; take a comfort day  just for yourself—stay in your pajamas; play with a child; laugh—use funny movies, books and friends; talk—friends, spouse, counselor or your clergyman; cheer loudly for your favorite sports team; draw, write, paint, do crafts, sing, act–express yourself though the arts; take a mini-vacation and be a tourist in your own town; go to the spa—have a massage or a pedicure;  be a member of a sports team; sit on the porch; get 15-20 minutes of fresh air and sunshine; go to the beach, swim and watch the waves; take a shower or a bath, sit in a steam room or sauna; or give yourself a few minutes to pray or meditate. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, June 8, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.