To combat modern day stressors, you need to realize that things are going to go the way they are going to go, so you may as well just relax. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to practice extreme self-care which means putting your own needs first. We have had it backwards for far too long, taking care of yourself first is not selfish, it is essential. Invest in yourself in all areas of your life, to include: personal services, massage therapy, body workers, counselors/coaches. Develop daily rituals that keep you feeling good. You must take care of yourself first or you will be no good to anyone else. Self-care is simply loving and honoring yourself. Loving yourself is giving to yourself. Giving to yourself allows you to share with others more fully. Being more fully present means you naturally develop less of an attachment to what goes on around you, and can instead be more relaxed and at peace. Releasing the need to control yourself, other people, and/or situations, will greatly reduce the amount of stress you experience in your life. Also helpful is relaxing, refreshing, and rejuvenating your body, mind and spirit.

Relax Your Body

Your body is your temple, and can easily get run down by stress, strain, and struggle, take care of it with regular relaxing activities.

Get good sleep

Swedish massage, hot stone massage

Foot or hand paraffin

Body treatments: aromatherapy body wraps, body scrubs, etc

Reflexology

Rigorous and regular exercise

Healthy sex

Refresh Your Mind

Your mind is your guide, it can easily get distracted and off course, so take care of it with regular refreshing activities.

Take long walks

Spend time in nature

Read inspirational messages

Learn new things

Talk with a good friend

Take care of your pet

Therapy or personal coaching on a regular basis

Rejuvenate Your Spirit

Your spirit is your connection with Source, and can easily be forgotten in the busyness of life, so take care of it with regular rejuvenating activities.

Meditate

Pray

Sing, dance, express yourself

Consciously slow down

Be fully present

Know and live by your values and beliefs

Surround yourself with supportive, loving, and accepting people

Stress-Free Activities

Connect with nature, it restores homeostasis to your system.

Make a list of your favorite things. Read it when you feel down.

Rely on friends and animals, they are great sources of support.

Create a pleasure drawer. Stock your drawer with personal momentos or simple indulgences--- favorite scents, textures, and tastes to create your own multi-sensory stress-relief treatments.

Be colorful. Color stimulates your eyes and your brain. When used properly, color can make you feel happy and energized. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow increase heart rate and circulation. Cool colors, such as blue or lavender act like sedatives.

Deep breathe. Taking deep breaths will soothe your nerves, it sends oxygen to your brain and refreshes your mind. Inhale through your nose and count to eight. Fill your belly not your chest with air. Exhale through your mouth to the count of 10-16. Repeat five times until you feel calmer. Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine for stress. Find humor in the situation.

Imagine. Use visualization and guided imagery to take your mind off the situation.

And when you find yourself in a really challenging situation, remember the serenity prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

***This article was adapted from Michelles Living a Balanced Life Workbook: How to Eliminate Stress, Enhance Your Energy, and Enjoy Life.