Let’s face it, we live in a driven world. If someone has it, we want it especially if we can’t get it. We spend hours and hours working and working. We are stressed out, overweight and many are really unhappy. Instead of taking care of ourselves we strive to be all we can be. The results aren’t pretty. Opioids and addiction to them is out of control. High blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, leading to metabolic syndrome are becoming the leading cause of death. For many people relaxing is out of the question. After work you come home , make dinner, do laundry, if you have kids, baths, school work extra curricular activities, yikes.

So what is a person to do to enjoy life? I preaching to the choir here! I am hoping the following things will help you to relax. Going to the beach or a deserted island isn’t always an option and neither is running away. Stress brings about anxiety and heart attacks. Life is to be enjoyed so let’s learn to enjoy it.

Laugh more. Laughing has been proven to have health benefits. It increases blood flow and immunity. Laughter is good medicine. I was just told about a doctor who’s prescription for people who are always tired is laughter. And the person who told me about it isn’t tired anymore and is so much happier!

If you don’t own a pet, borrow one. Scientific studies have proven that our furry friends help relieve stress and increase dopamine. And they don’t talk back or argue just unconditional love. They are always so happy to see you and that should bring a smile to your face.

Aromatherapy is a great way to help reduce stress, and not just essential oils. Just the smell of coffee in the morning can reduce stress hormones. (Incidentally organic tea or green tea actually has a chemical in it that helps relieve anger. Add some honey to it and it will help to naturally moisturize your skin. Honey also helps reduce inflammation in the brain fighting depression and anxiety so drink up.) Flowers, a great stress reliever. Certain smells can change our mood so keep a bouquet around, how can you be angry when you are looking at a beautiful bouquet? Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. Place a drip of lavender, orange or lemon on your wrists or palms and breathe in. These oils have been known to stimulate smell receptors in your brain that connect to the part of the brain that regulates emotions and increase the levels of the stress=related hormone norepinephrine.

Go dancing, it is not only good for your cardio vascular system it will raise your spirits and even make you laugh. Dancing is not only fun but a great stress reliever. Try it!

Try a game that requires concentration such as a crossword puzzle or other mind game. When you are concentrating on solving a problem you are not thinking of your own. The other benefit is that you are acquiring more knowledge and knowledge is power.

Eat dark chocolate just 1.4 ounces can calm your nerves. Please eat chocolate that is at least 75% or more cacao. Dark chocolate regulates the hormone cortisol this not only stabilizes your metabolism but will also help you sleep better.

Eat a mango. You may not be able to vacation to a tropical island but mangos contain linaloo that helps lower stress hormones. Try them in a salad or make a mango salsa and serve it over a wild caught white fish. Two treats in one.

Believe it or not chewing gum (a healthy gum such as Spry not the commercial highly processed type, just saying) Just a few minutes of chewing can reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels . You guessed it better sleep, less stress.

Chew something healthy and crunchy. Try some nuts or celery or nuts. Studies have shown that when we are stressed out we crave crunch. Choose wisely, it doesn’t have to be fattening or bad for you.

Use creative dreaming. It’s ok it is just a dream. Think about something that makes you happy and it will boost your mood. If I have said it once I have said it one thousand times, you are responsible for you. You really do get to choose your life and how you handle it. Sometimes we just need to be reminded. Find your friend and talk. You may cry but I guarantee you end up laughing and laughter truly is the best medicine.

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