Easy Stress Reduction Tips

Of course a stress out person doesn't have time to do things to help you relax. It is a vicious circle. You don't have time to relax so the stress just gets works. However, there are simple things that you can do everyday to help reduce your stress. Try to incorporate these things into your day whenever possible.

• Add something beautiful to your life on a daily basis (e.g., flowers). I like to light a candle in the mornings and at night. Different candles at different times, pine scent in the winter, flowers in the spring.
• Music, find a relaxing music station on the way home from work, skip the news, I am hooked on a jazz station.
• Buy some relaxation CDs, some have music only, some talk you down.
  Use a background CD at night as you go to bed, I have several, one if of the ocean, the other is a rainforest, they are a lot of varieties. Play is once as you go to sleep it makes me feel like I am on vacation.
• Do some enjoyable activities whenever possible. Force yourself to do something fun, hang out with your kids, through a ball around, play a game.
• Go for a walk with your friends, family or by yourself. If you can walk with someone else it really helps your stress because you also have a lot of time to talk.
• Walk, work, and eat at a relaxed pace.
• Take a short break after meals to relax.
• Enjoy the outdoors, if possible, go outside at least once per day and notice the simple things such as the weather, scenery, etc. I am fortunate I have a lot of nice parks near my office. Some days instead I just drive to the park and find a nice spot to just sit in the car and relax. Lean back open the window and escape for a little while.
• During the day, whenever you remember, notice and tension in your body (jaw, neck, diaphragm, shoulders, etc.). Breath deeply and gently stretch and relax any tense areas.
  If you notice your mind racing or worrying about the past or future, take a minute to breath deeply and gently focus on something in the moment such as your breath, scenery, birds.
• Take breaks during the workday to relax.
• Wear comfortable and loose clothing when possible. Take off your shoes when you can.
• Avoid holding in feelings day after day, but instead, find a safe place to feel, express and embrace them.