10 Tips for Relieving Stress

• Envision a place that's special to you: Take a moment to close your eyes and think of a place that makes your feel good - it could be your favorite vacation spot, or just imagining feeling comfy in your own bed! Really "feel" being there, and when you are ready, go on with your day, but try to remember how you felt in your favorite place.
• Meditate: If you've done Yoga, then you know what to do. If you've never experienced it, then just practice breathing in, and then out, very slowly, while focusing only on your breathing. Do this for at least 5 minutes. If this works for you, check out the many books on Yoga in your favorite bookstore and find out more about it! You can also use scented oils and incense while meditating, if you're at home.
• Give yourself a neck massage: Make sure you take more time for any painful spots. You can easily relieve tension this way while studying in the library or on a break from work.
• Reflexology: There are pressure points along your entire foot and ankle that correspond to certain nerves. Rub the various areas on your foot and you should find places that really hurt! That's completely normal - continue massaging those core points and that should help you de-stress!
• Music always works: Come on, don't tell me you don't feel happy when listening to your favorite song! These days, you can listen anywhere - on your Ipod or at your computer. It really works!
• Fresh flowers: Whether you buy a bunch from the supermarket or buy a plant to watch over, having flowers at your side will be sure to lift your spirits. Who knows, you might even discover that you have a green thumb!
• Stretch: If you are sitting at a desk for long periods of time, stretch your legs as far as you can. This helps your blood circulation and you should feel better instantly. Better yet, try to go outside and take a short walk.
• Light some candles: Buy some pretty candles for your space - scented ones are even better - combine this one with music and you are sure to de-stress!
• Take a hot shower: This truly wakes you up and refreshes you. If you have a shower head with a massage option, it works even better!
• Brew some tea: Tea works wonders. There are so many teas with healing properties: to relax, invigorate, or put you to sleep! Breathing in the steam from your tea before you drink it can relieve tension. And when you tea bags are lukewarm, you can even use them as eye compresses! (make sure you only use chamomile tea bags for this - other teas might stain your skin!)