Holidays. Holidays. Holidays. Feeling stressed yet? Yeah, me too.
June 22, 2011, at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.
Good or bad, stress is stress no matter how you cut it. And December has stress to spare. So I’ve asked around for ideas to relieve stress and boost energy.
I’m familiar with the basics. Clear your schedule. Do what’s necessary and what you enjoy. Drop the extra busy-ness.
Pray. Spend time with people you like. Exercise and eat nutritious foods (okay, still working on those two). Play with your dog. Laugh.
Short of stealing away for a week at the spa, I was surprised to learn there’s more I can do. And it won’t cost me a dime:
1. Drink more water.
Both my massage therapist and my wellness coach friend Lisa Hautly recommend drinking more water. Helps flush out toxins and keep tissues hydrated.
2. Sleep.
Lisa says if you’re tired, go to bed. Epiphany, I know. Sleep is restorative. For most of us, it’s the only time our bodies and minds have to regenerate.
3. Remove your shoes.
A soccer mom friend who’s also a nurse said she’d read in a study you could reduce stress by simply taking off your shoes. Upon hearing this, our entire row of soccer moms flipped off our shoes on the sideline of the practice field. Ahhh.
fountain of youth
Water. Sleep. Bare feet. I can do that today. So can you.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
A Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Lisa focuses on healthy living for busy souls in her wellness coaching and Ms. Moderation blog.
Proud to call her my friend, someday I hope to catch up with her on my bike.
