Soothe Away Your Stress part 5

If you missed the other parts, check them out here

Here are five more tips from Good Housekeeping's Kate Hanley on how to reduce and soothe away your stress.

Little Altars Everywhere:

Invite something new into your life — whether it’s a relationship, friendship, job, or solution to a particularly vexing problem — by placing a representation of what you're hoping for in your sanctuary. It could be a baby rattle if you'd like another child, a fancy pen if you'd like a new job, or something heart-shaped if you'd like to find a new love. You’ll be giving yourself a visible reminder of your dreams and inspiration to stay hopeful and open.

Comfort Yourself:

Know how a cranky child magically transforms into a little angel after a nap? Today, treat yourself to five minutes of rest. Gather two firm pillows, then sit on your heels on the floor. Keeping your toes together, open the knees wide and stack the pillows between your knees. Rest your torso on the pillows, head turned to one side. Breathe here, releasing tension with each exhale. After several breaths, turn your head to the other side.

Tennis Ball Massage:

This week during Grey’s Anatomy reruns, treat yourself to a DIY massage. Lie back on the floor with your torso supported on your elbows, and place two tennis balls on either side of your spine just above your buttocks. Sink into the balls and breathe deeply, then roll the balls an inch higher. Repeat until you reach your neck, giving extra time to any place that feels especially tight — it should take 15-20 minutes and feel absolutely McDreamy.

Celebrate Yourself:

Remember when Mom used to make your favorite meal for your birthday, and how great it made you feel? Pretend it's your birthday this week and treat yourself to one of your very favorite things — whether it's homemade mac and cheese, a bouquet of fresh flowers, or even a nap. When you make it a point to treat yourself well, other people will be more likely to do the same.

Learn a Relaxing Yoga Move:

As much as we hear the word "relaxation," few people know how to actually achieve it (Sadly, watching TV doesn't count). This pose, called Legs Up the Wall, calms your nervous system and leaves you feeling truly relaxed and refreshed. Lie on your side in the fetal position with your feet a few inches away from a wall. Roll onto your back and swing your legs up against the wall. Straighten your legs and inch your buttocks in towards the wall. Lie quietly in this position, breathing deeply for as long as it feels good.