3 Easy Ways To Reduce Stress In An Instant

Warning: I Am Not A Doctor

I just had to put that out there. In case you were thinking I had gotten my medical degree in my spare time. I most definitely have not.

However, I am a person who experiences stress from time to time and I try not to let it get the best of me.

These are just three of the ways I reduce the feeling of stress (you know the one that starts at the tip of your toes to the tip of your head?) in just a few seconds.

 

 

#1.

 

 

Now I know that we're all breathing at all times. But when is the last time you took a really good, deep breath? In. Then out.

Go on. Give it a try. I'll wait.

Did you do it? It's simple, right?

Breathe in. Breathe out. Deeply.

Now that you've got that down.........do it again.  And again.

Feel better?

#2.

 

 

OK. I'd tell you to go do this now, but unless you're outside reading on your cell phone, your ipad or your laptop, you won't be able to finish reading this post. So hold off for now, but when you're done, step outside if you can. Take a look around. Listen to the birds.  Notice the buds starting to form on the trees. Rejoice in the snow melting. (I had to work that last one in.)

#3.

 

 

Now, let me say, taking a break doesn't have to include include cookies and milk (although I admit, I just had 2 ginger snaps for lunch), but just step away from what you're doing. Take. A. Break.  I give you permission. We all need breaks to recharge so we're better able to handle the stresses in our lives.  Make it part of your daily routine. I say this easily, but I know it's not always easy to do. I sometimes have to force myself to walk away from the computer. At times it's like we joined at the hip. Not always a good thing. So, when I feel that happening, I get up and walk away and take a break for a few minutes.  Sometimes that's all it takes.
I have more simple ways to reduce stress that I'll be sharing with you in the future but I'd love to hear what simple things you do to instantly reduce your stress level. Do tell.

Freeform Friday

St. Patrick's Day weekend is upon us. So, it's time to get your Irish up! Here's one of our favorite Irish bands, The Dubliners singing a real classic. Go on, try to sing along, but be sure to take a good breath first. Click here if you're reading by email.





I'll save the funny story of when we met Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners for another day. It's a classic though. (Right Di?)

Have a great Friday. We'll be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in some fashion this weekend. Perhaps lunch at our favorite Irish pub in the Seacoast, Ri Ra. Probably some Irish music at home because we have quite a selection. A corned beef dinner for sure, since I picked one up the other day. And more than likely some skyping with home which will make me wish we were in Dublin with them.

Ciao for now,