Stress relief tips that will make everyone smile!

1.  Breathe. Breathing slowly and deeply helps to slow and calm the mind.  To do this, fill your lungs with air from the bottom up by pushing out your stomach as you inhale.  Practicing this kind of breathing for five minutes each day will help relax your mind and body. 

2.  Exercise.  Exercising is a great way to temporarily escape from your problems and engage in an activity that is fun and energizing.  Exercise improves your mood and decreases anxiety. 

3.   Yoga.  Practicing Yoga combines meditation with stretching which release tension and calms the mind. 

4.  Reduce and Reorganize.  Reducing clutter and creating an environment that is relaxing will help you to have clear thoughts and increase productivity.  Don't let your dirty laundry and household chores pile up, leaving you feeling anxious and chaotic.  Simplicity is best. 

5.  Sleep.  Sleep recharges your brain.  By getting 6-8 hours a night, you will wake feeling refreshed and continure to feel energized throughout the day. 

6.  Meditate.  Meditation is one of the most commonly practiced ways to reduce stress.  It reduces muscle tension, decreases your heart rate, and clears your mind.  There are many types of meditation.   "Object meditation" allows you to focus on an object such as a candle of hanging crystal- breathing, as well as focusing on the object will allow you to lose yourself in the meditation. 

7.  Communicate.  Communicating effectively with colleagues, friends, and family can ease tension in your relationships and prevent arguments that cause stress.  Be a good listener and be assertive.  Don't let problems build up, deal with them as they arise. 

8.  Don't Procrastinate.  Putting things off until the last minute increases anxiety and stress.  Reduce this by getting ahead on your work. 

9.  Massage.  Having a professional or a friend give you a massage will relax and stimulate circulation in your muscles.  You and your fiends can take turns giving each other massages or treat yourself to a professional massage.

10.  Eat Healthy! Eating healthy gives you energy and helps your immune system.  Being stressed increases your chances of getting sick.  By eating food that are high in fiber, low in sugar, and low in salt, sugar, and fat- you will help stay healthy and energized! 

Thanks Tarryn Sandler!