Winnipeg, Canada

Stress—it’s everywhere, it seems. Unknowns trigger worry. Fear fosters misgivings. Anxiety runs rampant. Angst rules. A nervous disquietude seems to gnaw at all and sundry—so, what’s a person to do? From an internal Circle document I stumbled across on my hard drive today (compiled by a remarkable administrator who worked with us a decade ago and who used to fill spare moments making “pro-activity lists”) here are a few tips for “How to cope with stress”—after all, laughter is the best medicine, right?

1. Jam tiny marshmallows up your nose and try to sneeze them out.

2. Pop some popcorn without putting the lid on.

3. When someone says “Have a nice day” tell them you have other plans.

4. Stare at people through the tines of a fork and pretend they’re in jail.

5. Dance naked in front of your pets.

6. Drive to work in reverse.

7. Make a list of things you’ve already done.

8. Fill out your tax form in Roman numerals.

9. Lie on your back and eat celery, using your navel as a salt dipper…

Images: details from works by Theodore Gericault, Edvard Munch (The Scream), and Roy Lichtenstein.