Soothe Away Stress Part 8

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.

Practice Saying “No”:

Now that summer’s over, life is going to get busy again before you can say “back to school”. Minimize your impending schedule overload by honing your ability to say no to things you just don’t have time to do. The more you practice now, the easier it will be to say no in a few weeks when work, school, and socializing are all back in full swing and clamoring for you to take on more and more.

Antioxidant Extravaganza:

Stress can suppress your immune system, making you more likely to get sick just when you need to be at your best. Keep your body strong in stressful times by eating foods that are rich in antioxidants — nutrients that bolster the immune system and protect the body against free radicals and the aging process. According to the USDA, the foods that offer the highest amount of antioxidants are beans, berries, artichokes, apples, pecans, cherries, plums, and potatoes.

Mindful Meals:

Instead of wolfing down your lunch while standing in the kitchen or sitting at your desk, take 10 minutes to eat mindfully. Smell your food before you begin and chew each bite several times, savoring the taste. Allowing your senses to rise to the surface gives your mind a much-needed break. And what better to focus on than delicious, sustaining food? It’s much more fun than staring at a spreadsheet!

That One Thing:

Chances are there’s one particular thing you’ve been avoiding because it’s unpleasant, tedious, or just plain old boring. Whether it’s calling a friend you’ve lost touch with, making a dentist’s appointment for a tooth that’s been bothering you, or taking that box in the garage to Goodwill, do “that one thing” this week. By taking care of it, you’ll be able to stop spending your energy on dreading it and start focusing on more important things.

Mantra Meditation:

To Western ears, “mantra” is synonymous with “catchphrase” or “mission statement.” But mantra is a tool that’s been used for thousands of years to help cultivate peace of mind — something we could all use a little more of. This week, choose a word or phrase that is meaningful and melodious — such as “love,” “peace,” or “amen” (or whatever resonates with you) — and repeat it silently or audibly whenever you need a gentle reminder to savor the moment.