5 Things You Can Do Now to De-stress

So yesterday, I discussed "going through hell". Even though it is a growing and learning process, it is still a stressful one. There are so many things you can do to de-stress and relax that doesn't take much money if any...

1. Unplug and meditate.
   Sometimes, what we choose to tune into causes us to be stressed and we don't realize it. TV "reali-dramas" are made to invoke emotions and cause us to be stirred. I wouldn't be surprised if there is scientific evidence that it raises our blood pressure and lowers our self-confidence. As addicted to social media as we are...a lot of the times it is good to unplug from it. Give yourself a day a week to unplug from the computer, the Facebook, the Twitter, etc and learn to meditate. There is something calming and refreshing about sitting quietly and doing nothing. Not worrying about anything and clearing our minds. And if meditating is too hard for you, read a book or go outside or hang with friends. The best thing about unplugging from the world is that you get a greater sense of the world around you that we ignore when we are so tuned into our devices and problems.


2. Be creative...even if you're not.
   Now I know there are many people who are not naturally gifted in the art of being creative. That's okay. Whether you are creative, artistic, resourceful or wish you were...be creative. Being creative stimulates your mind and has a calming effect. Here's an idea for the non-creative types: go to the dollar store, buy a coloring book and some crayons or colored pencils and give yourself 30 minutes to an hour a day to "be creative." You'll find that you will feel more relaxed every time you start to color.


3. Serve others.
   Nothing is more refreshing than being of service to others. Helping people who are in a worse situation than you helps you to realize how good you really have it. There are ALWAYS opportunities to volunteer and help out, you just have to find the one that you enjoy the most.


4. Treat yourself.
   You can look at this one a number of ways. Treating yourself could mean buying those shoes you've had your eye on for a while and taking yourself out on a really nice date. It could mean treat yourself to time off...from family, friends, work...see #1. Treating yourself is a way for you to give back to the person you may have been neglecting...yourself. Naturally we want to insure that everyone around us is okay, but as a result we neglect ourselves. It's time we learn to make US our top priority...in the end, everyone will benefit from it.


5. Do more of what makes you happy.
   Have you always been athletic but you haven't been on a court is years? Or maybe you used to be a wonderful singer but you gave it up to pursue another dream. Or even running is something that makes you feel alive, but you've neglected the pavement because of kids, work, or whatever. DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!

When life gets crazy, how do you de-stress?