It is hard to believe it’s almost the Fourth of July. Hope you have some plans to get out and enjoy it. Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy things you like to do, which can help you feel balanced and relieve some of life’s daily stresses. Many people today lead busy lives and always seem to be on the go. Demanding jobs, juggling multiple projects and hauling the kids to from one event to the next, can all create tension and ill feelings, which can bring us down. That is why it is important to make time for yourself and practice self-care to help ease the stresses of the day. Following are 7 Ways to help you Lead A Stress-Free Life and enjoy the moment more:

7 Ways To Lead A Stress-Free Life:

1. Silence—Instead of rushing to get your day going. Start by taking in the silence. Try relaxing into the calm. You can do a little meditation or offer up some prayers. The peace you feel in the morning helps extend peace and calm feelings into your day, which can help you stay positive and balanced. You can also try and take in some silence at other parts of your day. Maybe you can sit quietly at a park during your lunch break? If you live near the water, or visiting friends at the lake, why not sit quietly and stare out at the peaceful waves, or watch some ducks swimming by. There are plenty of ways to take in a little silence to experience a peaceful feeling.
2. Connect—Relationships are a big part of our lives. Make sure you take time to connect with others. Having strong connections is important and can help prevent health problems down the road. Make sure you make a habit of scheduling time with others to help you stay grounded. Many people look forward to holiday gatherings to connect with friends and family.
3. Take a Walk—Walking is a great way to relieve stress. It not only gets your blood pumping, but can help calm your mind. Walking outside is especially beneficial. Hearing the sounds of birds or other animals can be calming and can help get your mind off your work, family issues or other stressors in life. Walking on a treadmill or at a mall can also do your body good. Exercising and getting physical helps release feel-good endorphins in the brain, which naturally make you feel better.
4. Eat More Whole Foods—Food is medicine. It is also fuel for your body. In my book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living, I talk about the importance of feeding your body with the nutrients and information it needs to function optimally and keep you healthy. Make sure you are eating plenty of whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and meat. You’ll feel a lot less stressed when working on a big project, waiting in a long line at the grocery store, or in a traffic jam, when you are eating food that fuels your body.
5. Take A Yoga Class—Yoga is a great stress-buster, especially if practiced regularly. Yoga not only allows you to stretch your body, but helps calm your mind and gives you a sense of balance. Yoga also helps slow your breath, allows you to feel more at ease and helps bring you back to the present moment.
6. Journal—Many people experience relief from stress when they take time to write or journal their thoughts. Grab a pen and paper and write down any negative thoughts or feelings to help release them. You can also write down things that you are grateful for, inspirational thoughts and ideas to help you stay positive.
7. Practice gratitude—Set aside 5-10 minutes a day to give thanks for all the blessing you have in your life. Being grateful for what you have helps promote positivity and joy in your life.

Thanks for reading!

Barb