Nine tips to reduce stress.

At different times in our lives, we’ll need to find ways to reduce stress to a level we can manage. Here are nine tips to help you do just that. Start with one tip and work your way down the list:

1. Get solid sleep – Getting good quality sleep helps you handle life better. Fewer nights of quality sleep make it harder to manage the normal (and especially the unexpected stressors) of our lives.

2. Get your body moving – Working out is a great way to get the stress out of your body. It can be a walk, a run or just some free-form dance in your living room. The most important thing is to do something.

3. Use the written word – Journaling what’s going on inside your head often takes the thoughts out of your head and puts them on paper. Other than clearing your mind, you can see over time what patterns in your life are causing you stress. Knowledge is power.

4. Take a breath – Telling someone to breathe is helpful but showing them how to breathe is better. Try this. Slowly breathe in for a count of five. Wait for a count of five. Then slowly breathe out for a count of five. Wait another count of five then start again. Do this until you feel calmer.

5. Find your point – Finding the acupuncture points to use to reduce stress is your first step. Then using two fingers tap the areas. Continue doing this until you feel calmer.

6. Listen to tunes - Playing relaxing music while working, studying and resting is helpful to calming your nerves. Whatever music relaxes you, listen to it.

7. Find a distraction – Refocusing on something other than your stress, can provide the distraction you need to relax. Plant an herb garden, read a book or take a class are all ways to distract yourself from the stress you’re feeling.

8. Make a connection – Meeting, calling or videoconferencing with a friend, family member, clergy person or therapist can help to lower your stress level. We’re social beings. It’s part of who we are.

9. Use herbal formulations – Oat seed promotes relaxation. You will find it in Stress ReLeaf®.