We live in a fast food, super highway, no stopping zone world and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down, but we weren’t designed to maintain life at the speed of light. So how do we take the time to de-stress ourselves, our family and our life without causing a pile-up of to-do’s and must-be-done’s? Here are 6 ways to de-stress that will keep the demands of life on track and us happy and healthy inside and out.

1. Make time everyday to talk to your spouse, your kids, your roommate, your cat, anyone who will listen. The only rule is that you can’t talk about work, finances, relationships, politics, religion or anything that stresses you out. What the heck will we talk about then, you ask? That’s the point! Rediscover what you enjoy. Remember a hobby that put your mind at ease and sparked your creativity. Laugh a little.

2. Create a slice of heaven in your home or backyard. Even if you have to take on this project in stages, when it’s done it will be worth it. Make one space in your home the perfect place to be. It has to be somewhere where you can be alone when you need to be, so consider a door. Paint it a color that speaks to you. Add texture. Create the right lighting for both day and night retreats. Be sure you have an uber comfortable place to both sit and nap. When you have a retreat in your home, you can steal away even for a few moments to de-stress and recharge. The trick is to always keep the space clean and well stocked with a lighter if you have candles, music, perhaps beverages.

3. Beyond creating a place where you or anyone in your household can go, you simply must have quality alone time in order to de-stress. This has to be guilt-free and it should be a regularly scheduled appointment. Mark it on your planner, your spouse’s, you secretary’s and anyone else’s who vies you’re your time.

4. Chase a dream. Millions of people look around one day and find that their dreams are so far removed from their reality that they might as well give up and face facts. Not so with you. When you make even a small dream into a reality, you not only decrease stress exponentially, but you invigorate your life so that everyday challenges that would normally push you over the edge now just blow right over. Start small if need be, just make sure to start.

5. Find your center. Everyone needs a truth to hold onto – something that you consider unshakeable and able to withstand the trials of life. Go back to the church of your youth or find a new one. Look for an inspirational podcast, book or music that speaks to you.

6. Looking good and feeling good go hand-in-hand. Examine your diet and exercise routine. Are they adequate to support your lifestyle? If so, give them a boost with a new cardio class. If not, know that stress can come as much from the inside and from the outside. To de-stress your whole self, start on the inside and work your way out.

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