Got Stress?

Do you feel like this? 

Or like this?

These days women are experiencing stress at epidemic levels. We are seeing the effects of this not only in our mental anguish levels, but in more and more serious physical ramifications.

More than 200,000 women die each year from heart attacks. More than 159,000 women die each year of congestive heart failure. 

It is increasing infertility. Scientists found that those with high levels of a stress hormone stop ovulating and are therefore unable to conceive.

We certainly know about weight gain and hair loss. The list of serious stress related side effects is growing in size and seriousness.

Shannon, why are you bringing us down? Isn't it bad enough that we feel crappy and stressed out?

Let me tell you why. I want you to feel like this 

And it's more possible than you think.

Here's 5 quick easy tips to get started crushing your stress instead of letting it crush you.

1. A relaxing bath.  Add music, candles and your favorite drink: beer, tea, hot chocolate, wine or even champagne. Close the door and forget about everything else for an hour or so.  
2. Comedy night: get in your favourite nibbles: chips, tortillas, salsa, crackers, cheese, pizza, chocolate, cookies, ice cream etc. Crack open a bottle of wine or grab whatever your favorite drink happens to be and spend a full evening watching your favourite funny films or comedians.
3. Get out of the firing line. Grab a journal or a book and go to a place you find peaceful and disconnected from the hustle and bustle. Maybe this is just going to a park for your lunch or coffee break. Maybe you've created a book nook sanctuary in your own home. Maybe you can sneak away for a day and get to a lakeside.
4. Music. Play some soothing music or something that makes you get up and dance dance dance.
5. Sweat it out. You don't have to run the Boston Marathon. Running is great for endorphins, but so is walking, biking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi. 

Make a point to find at least 15 minutes a day to engage in some form of stress relief. At least once a week, carve out an hour or 2. It may seem like a luxury, but trust me, it's not.

Here's to you crushing your stress!

Are you willing to commit to crushing your stress? What activity can you make a point to engage in this week? 

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