Dont let stress get the best of you

Are you stressed out? Some days my planner is so full it’s shocking that two-thirds of it gets done by the end of the day. Then, there are parents who hold full-time jobs while running kids to soccer, ballet, band practice or the school dance. I’m not sure where they find the time! If you need some excellent stress relievers, try a few that I have found. I have tried all of them and they relieve my stress.
 
First, go for a walk. If you can, leave all your electronics at home. This includes your phone. It should only be you and maybe Fido. Going for a walk really clears the mind of what is stressing us out. We have the work stressors, where the boss is pushing us towards deadline. Then, we have the family stressors that circle around events and where you have to drive the kids. Just for yourself, breath the clean air and soak up the oxygen. Forget about everything and let creative, new thoughts filter into your mind.
 
Meeting a friend at an outdoor cafe is also a stress-buster. Perhaps it’s a friend that you haven’t seen in awhile or a co-worker that you don’t get to see that often. Regardless, it’s just the two of you chatting about what’s great in life. Try to talk about something other than your kids (if you have any.) Maybe you both plan a night out together to relax and get a massage while getting a manicure and a pedicure.
 
Another way to relax is to indulge in your favorite treat. For many women, this would be anything that revolves around chocolate. You may enjoy cookies or fudge, however, or sour gummies from your local candy store.  It doesn’t always have to be sweets, however.  Try snacking on a piece of fruit such as an apricot, banana or orange. Whatever it is, go after it—if only for today. 
 
Also, you may find it unstressful to give Fido some attention. Take him or her to the park with a tennis ball or frisbee to toss around. The light exercise will help you sleep better at night while keeping your pet active. Similarly, it’ll help reduce arthritis in both you and your pet.
 
Then, once you’re home, inspire your family by cooking a new dish for dinner. Let’s say you eat a lot of chicken or turkey. Perhaps you cooked something that included salmon, tilapia or even something that had no meat at all. Keeping our spouses and kids always discovering new tastes is vital because it keeps our tongues healthy. You may even enjoy the dish yourself and make more like it.
 
At the end of the day, you may wish to stretch or take a long, luxurious bath. Heck, you might as well do both! Both are super relaxing. Just be sure to not do these activities too close to bed time because it’ll interrupt with your sleep. You don’t want to stay up later than you normally do.
 
 

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