Winter Garden Magazine April 2015 | Page 29

Take a break from the stressor. It may seem difficult to get away from a big work project, a crying baby or a growing credit card bill. It’s important to not avoid your stress (those bills have to be paid sometime), but even just 20-minutes to take care of yourself is helpful. Exercise. A 20-minute walk, run, swim or dance session in the midst of a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can last for several hours. Smile and laugh. When people are stressed, they often hold a lot of the stress in their face. So laughs or smiles can help relieve some of that tension and improve the situation. Get social support. Call a friend, send an email. When you share your concerns or feelings with another person, it does help relieve stress. Meditate. Meditation and mindful prayer help the mind and body to relax and focus. Mindfulness can help people see new perspectives, develop selfcompassion and forgiveness.