I don’t need no stinkin’ stress

Photo credit: BrittneyBush / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

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It’s all so stressful sometimes. I’m a VERY easy going person and I rarely let things get to me, but that doesn’t mean that I have NO stress in my life. Granted, I have a lot less than I did when we were young, trying to raise a family. While I get to write about FUN travel, fashion and beauty here on Champagne Living, my home life can be stressful. My husband has an illness that can be TRYING to say the least, and I am the one in charge of things. When everything falls on one persons shoulders, life can get tense.

I need to RELAX.

Here are 6 ways to wind down and let life catch up with you a little bit.

1. Get some exercise – There’s nothing like letting loose to reduce the tension. Some people are runners – like Ben of The Gin Joint, others love the slow methodical postures of yoga. Me? Turn the music on high and let me dance around the living room and I’ll go ’til I fall down laughing. Which brings me to…

2. Laugh – Call, text, skype a friend who puts a smile on your face. If I didn’t have Lisa and Rachel each morning to vent to, I’d go C-R-A-Z-Y! The camaraderie of friends is PRICELESS and with these two in my life, I can’t help but giggle. For example, today Lisa had a wonderful conversation with a telemarketer who called and her description of it had me almost peeing my pants. Bye, bye worries – hello laughter.

3. Smell – I don’t mean go with no deodorant on, I mean infuse the room with a scent that makes you feel good. I’m just learning about the benefits of aromatherapy, and ordered a vapor diffuser and essential oils from Puritan’s Pride this week, but I’ve always taken a shower with my FAVORITE scent stolen from the hotel bathroom of my favorite hotel in Paris to “take me back” for a moment. It helps me daydream about my favorite city and take me away for a while.

4. Change your surroundings – Just getting away from the situation that’s stressing you out can help. A walk on the beach at sunset, a coffee at your favorite coffee shop, or a walk through the mall just to people watch can do a world of good.

5. Sing, dance, draw, write, cook, clean, play, etc. – By focusing on something you LOVE doing (the simple joys of life), your life can feel a little less complicated.

6. Volunteer – Do something for someone who really NEEDS your help and your problems will seem a little less important.

For more of my musings on staying young, check out my Healthy Over 50 column at Puritan’s Pride.