Here are a few ways to maintain a sense of well-being and stress-free living.
1)Do something to calm your mind (pray, meditate, yoga)
2)Do something to simplify your environment (at home-get rid of clutter, at work-stay away from negative people)
3)Do something to feed your spirit (go to church, help with an organization/cause)
4)Do something good for your body (exercise, get a massage-facial-pedi/mani)

Do these things and it’ll lessen the stress level in your every day life.

Welcome back!

“A cheerful heart is good medicine” ~~ Proverbs 17:22

When you’re feeling stressed or upset, try laughing…laughter helps release anxiety, tension, fear, anger.
It’ll transform your outlook on life at that moment.

What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul. ~Yiddish Proverb

Laughing releases bottled up emotions and pent up feelings. Laughter releases endorphins which help reduce pain. Laugh every day, and you’ll feel better…physically and mentally.

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~e.e. cummings

With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die. ~Abraham Lincoln

For the most part we think of nap time for little children and toddlers, but did you know there are many advantages to power napping for teens and adults!

If you lack sleep, it can affect your performance, motivation, ability to deal with stressful situations, judgment, reaction time, short term memory, information processing, and patience. If you’re tired, you could also be moody, aggressive and candidate for burn out, all of which will add unneeded and unnecessary stress to your life.

Napping isn’t being lazy, it’s a quick refill for your brain and body so they can continue to work effectively and efficiently.

So, when you’re feeling like you a need a pick me up, grab a 20 minute power nap and recharge.

When you awaken, you’ll feel less stressed, invigorated, will be able to think better, boost your creativity, you’ll be more alert & productive.

Granted, you’ll want to find an appropriate time & place for your power nap. In middle of high school or college class probably isn’t going to be the most opportune time, nor would it be appropriate in the midst of a big business conference. However, the benefits are there for you if you can swing a power nap without being a distraction to others.

To make your home life less stressful and calmer for you, simplify your home.
It’s the easiest thing you can do to ensure your time at home is relaxing.
Wouldn’t you rather be enjoying your time at home, rather than doing chores.
Get rid of clutter-if you don’t use something (or haven’t used it for months), get rid of it (donate it, sell it, do something with it-but get rid of it).
The less clutter you have, the less cleaning you have to do which leads to more free time and free space.
Shop in bulk, that way you don’t have to get stressed going to the store often and unpacking items often after shopping. Do it once in bulk and get it over and done with for an extended period of time.
Cut down on doing laundry (you can wear clothes more than one time – unless you stain them).
Hire someone to do the yard work (unless doing it keeps you mellow and is an escape thus helping you relieve any stress or anxiety you may experience–then by all means, you keep doing it).

What other things can you think of to simplify your home life?

You may also want to utilize Intention Kits for Stress management and calmness ~~ for just $7 you can immediately download your kit and get started enjoying a stress free, calm, mellow day-every day!

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
~~Anne Frank

Exercise is one of the best stress management tools accessible to you.
Though, many won’t make the time or fit it into their schedules-not realizing if they exercised for even twenty minutes they’d be able to function more efficiently and actually be able to save time and be stress free to boot!

Exercise releases beta endorphins that actually counteract the effects of stress in the body-it signals the body that the danger (stress) is gone and the body can begin to relax.

You don’t have to go out and join a gym or run a marathon right away to feel the stress relieving benefits of exercise. Find something you enjoy and can do easily without added stress.

Walking-it’s fun, it’s easy and gives you a chance to get out in the fresh air. You can walk alone and spend time in thought, prayer or grab a friend and make a social event of it.
Bicycling-there’s something about the wind in your hair and the breeze hitting you that is exhilarating and refreshing. Find a bike path or go to a park or hit the bike trails and enjoy.
Yoga-some quiet time to build your coordination, flexibility, circulation, posture, strength and complete body conditioning and de-stress at the same time.
Swimming-if you love the water or want something you can do that’s easy on the joints, muscles and bones try swimming.
Dance-dance at home or go out dancing with your friends or significant other. Get those feet moving and enjoy the music!
Running/Jogging-no, you don’t need to go run a marathon immediately-but do get those running shoes on and take an invigorating run. Enjoy the sounds and scenery as you go (yes, you can run and enjoy it without constantly being plugged into your ipod)-brings you closer to the environment around you.

Whatever form of exercise you enjoy, make time to do it!

The benefits of exercising are countless but here’s a few:
~Improved ability to manage and deal with stress
~Decrease in the effects of stress
~Increased energy
~Improved self-esteem and self-image
~Improved quality of sleep
~Decrease in body fat
~Strengthening of your immune system
~Improved heart & lung efficiency
~Decreased risk of developing heart or lung disease
~Reduced blood pressure
~Reduced cholesterol levels

So, what are you waiting for?
Get up and get exercising and reap all the wonderful benefits!

How Laughter Yoga Reduces Mental stress
compliments of http://www.laughteryoga.org

Our breathing is connected to our state of mind. It is apparent that the state of mind directly affects breathing. When in a stressful emotional state or turmoil, the breathing pattern alters drastically. It becomes faster, shallow and irregular. Sometimes people even hold their breath under stress which leads to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Mental stress occurs due to arousal of sympathetic branch of over autonomic nervous system which is very sensitive to carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Laughter Yoga provides an excellent cardiac workout and triggers a breathing pattern that offers significant respiratory benefits. It lowers the amount of residual air in the lungs, replacing it with oxygen-rich air. This reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the lungs and prevents the stress arousal system.

Diaphragmatic breathing

The best way to reduce mental stress is to activate parasympathetic system which is opposite of sympathetic system. This can be done by changing the way we breathe. If we can learn to breathe from the diaphragm mental stress can not occur even if you have stressful thoughts in the mind. You body simply will not react to stressful thoughts.

The diaphragm is a dome shaped muscular partition between the chest and the abdomen. It plays an important role in the most vital function of respiration. During inhalation the diaphragm contracts and pulls down to make a space for expansion of lungs and during exhalation it relaxes and pushes the lungs to facilitate exhalation.

By shifting the breathing pattern from shallow to deep diaphragmatic breathing, it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which is the cooling branch of the autonomic nervous system and is the opposite of the sympathetic stress arousal system. This scientific phenomenon coupled with ancient yogic wisdom of breathing makes this concept a unique exercise regime to loosen stress and relieve anxiety.

One of the prime objectives of Laughter Yoga is to learn how to move the diaphragm and shift the awareness of breathing from the chest to the deep abdominal breathing. With the movement of the diaphragm we can bring our emotions under conscious control.

Bliss means supreme happiness, utter joy or contentment.
Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

“Stress is not what happens to us.
It’s our response TO what happens.
And RESPONSE is something we can choose.”
Maureen Killoran

“When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question:
Will this matter in 5 years from now?
If yes, then do something about the situation.
If no, then let it go.”
Catherine Pulsifer

Which would you prefer?
a feeling of total bliss or stress?
Apply the two quotes above in your daily life and you can lessen your stress.

Tai Chi is excellent for stress relief

Tai Chi uses a series of gentle, graceful, flowing movements that can be used to relieve the stress of your busy lifestyle. Emphasis is on the conscious circulation of vital energy through your body and concentration, relaxation of it.

Tai Chi’s roots come from martial arts; however, now is widely practiced for relieving stress, calming your mind and body conditioning.

Tai chi is safe for people of all ages no matter their fitness level since it’s a low impact series of moves. It can be done nearly anywhere once you’ve learned how. If you have any health or flexibility/mobility concerns, please consult with a Tai Chi instructor first.

If you don’t know anyone in your area that teaches Tai Chi, go to the Tai Chi Network and search for practitioners there.

Tai Chi Chaun can be used for:

* Reducing stress
* Increasing feelings of wellness & well-being
* Increasing energy and stamina
* Improving definition and muscular strength
* Increasing flexibility and agility

I just bought and received Meditations by Cindy Ashton and as expected, it’s AWESOME, INSPIRING.

Many people stress about desires to be successful, wanting to overcome situations and wanting to achieve dreams and goals. This cd can help you. You will enjoy this cd for approx. 45 mins and the lasting effects it will have on your day. Start the day off to “I am Courage” and you can begin your day with courage, clarity and on a positive note.

If you’ve got stress combated, this is still an excellent meditation cd to keep yourself in a positive focused element.

The music compliments Cindy’s soothing voice, making this a complete harmonious serene listening experience.
You will feel tranquil, at peace while also being drawn closer to your visions, desires, success and courage.

It’s an excellent way to start your day, getting your body and mind set to take on the world in the positive spirited way we’re meant to experience life!

If you’d like to experience this inspiring encounter of meditations and harmony, click the image to go to Cindy Ashton’s site

The CD contains:
1. I am Courage (4:29)
This daily affirmation will inspire you to step into your life with courage, confidence and an open heart. Either kick start your day with positivity or end your day with a calm knowing.
2. The Courage to Vision Your Desires (21:28)
Feel radiant and powerful as you dive deep into your desires. Vision all aspects of your life and how magnificent it is as you achieve your dreams.
3. The Courage to be Successful (18:20)
Remember the moments in your life when you found your authentic power and achieved success. Carry those feelings forward to rediscover the confidence and brilliance within yourself.