10 Ways to Relax and Reduce Stress

Reducing stress will keep you healthier and happier. Not to mention it will help you balance everything else in your life. Putting yourself first will help you "sharpen the saw." It's important to set aside time when you can focus on you. Here are some ideas to help you set your problems aside.

Aromatherapy is a great way to reduce stress. Pleasant smells will make you feel more at-ease in your environment. Aroma can help soothe your mind and body. Consider scented lotions, candles, oils, and incense. Yummy cooking smells are also helpful to relax.

Read books when you need to take your mind off things. Choose something you enjoy--both non-fiction and fiction will do. Constantly learning new things will help your mind sharp and perform its best as well as help you relax.

Deep breathing is another way to relax and reduce stress. Reset your thoughts by concentrating on your breathing. Count to ten and focus on being here and now. Hitting the restart button will center you and reduce your stress.

This may not seem like a relaxation technique, but it will help you reduce stress and feel more relaxed. Exercising will make you feel invigorated and help you take control of your life. Taking care of yourself now will help you deal with stress later.

You are your most important asset. Occasionally treating yourself will help you reduce stress and keep your life balanced. Soaking in a warm bath, doing a mani-pedi, getting massage, or getting a facial will remind you that you're worth it.

Meditation will increase your mindfulness and help you ground your body and emotions. It can give you a broader perspective of your life and can help you deal with your problems.

Feeling connected is key to being happy. Friends will keep you grounded and help you remember what is important in life. Talking about what's bothering you can help you solve problems and reduce your stress about them.

Keeping busy will take your mind off what's bothering you. Take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy. Bake yummy goodies, go golfing, start a knitting project, learn a musical instrument, play cards, sketch, or volunteer. It shouldn't feel like a chore. Let yourself get wrapped up in the activity and enjoy the process of doing it.

Find a beverage to sip. Herbal tea is a good option, while caffeine and alcohol are not. Focusing on your beverage will help you live in the moment. This will help calm you down and is a great way to relax.

What better way to get a fresh start than to wake up and restart the day? A nap can be a great way to recharge your body and reset your mind after a taxing day.