Stress Less

Stress is a part of all of our lives. While some stress, such as the stress from exercise can be good for our bodies, too much stress just leaves us drained and less able to cope with our daily lives. We can't eliminate stress from our lives, but there are ways to decrease it's harmful effects. Some ways to do this are:

1. Meditation - There is no one right way to do this. Just taking 5 to 10 minutes to find a quiet spot and try to clear your mind can make a big difference. For some people this could mean spending time in prayer, others might listen to soft music to help quiet their mind, there are also apps available that will help guide you through a meditation practice. A good one is Headspace.

2. Deep breathing - In moments of extreme stress, taking the time to focus on taking slow deep breaths can help to calm you so that you are better able to deal with the situation.

3. Mind/Body work - Incorporating a yoga/pilates practice into your routine can help reduce stress. Both of these practices focus on body awareness and slow movements. This creates relaxation in your body and helps to relieve stress.

4. Spending time outdoors - The sun and nature are great stress reducers. Spending 10 to 15 minutes a day outside can boost your mood and lower stress levels.

Everyone is unique, so experiment with these different techniques to see which one works best for you. Always during times of extreme stress, you should choose less stressful physical activities such as walking, yoga or Pilates.