10 Ways for Coping with Stress

Coping with stress requires a conscious effort each day. Take time out for yourself, even if only for 30 minutes, to focus reducing stress.

To reduce stress in your life try implementing these 10 ways to improve your well-being:

1. Breathe. Take five minutes each day to close your eyes and just be. Inhale for a count of four, hold the breath for two seconds, and then exhale for a count of four. At the end of the exhalation, hold the breath again for two seconds before inhaling.
2. Be Grateful. Create a list of things in your life for which you are thankful. Sometimes we forget that life is to be enjoyed and remembering the many blessings is a first step.
3. Plan a Vacation. Just by focusing on a trip away from your everyday life can give you a break.
4. Laugh. Remember that life was never meant to always be so serious. Take a lighter approach today and be an observer of your life.
5. Take a Day Off. Plan a day off with you and a friend or special someone. Whether you go shopping, plan a picnic, or take a day trip to a new town, the new environment will be a change of pace.
6. Exercise. We often forget to take time for ourselves and our bodies. Everybody needs some sort of exercise to maintain a normal balance. Even a 30 minute walk will clear your head.
7. Soak in a Bubble Bath. Indulge yourself in a pleasure of life as simple as a bubble bath. Light a candle, put on some soothing music, and soak for awhile in a warm hot bubble bath.
8. Take a Nap. A nap is an indulgence of life that can revitalize you. Remember to be good to yourself and get enough sleep.
9. Make a List. We often forget to take time out for ourselves in our hectic lives. Each day make a list of three things that you will do for yourself that will bring you joy.
10. Smile. A simple smile given to a friend, family member, or stranger can really lift your spirits. Life wasn't meant to be taken so serious.

Enjoy the journey!