August 1: Instant Stress Zappers

I had my monthly segment on Fox this morning.  While on vacation I was reading Women's Day and they had an article that sumarized all the stress busting tips they have shared over the past years.  I was especially intrigued by their "instant stress zappers" as I find many of them very helpful.  I picked my favorite top 10 and shared them with viewers this morning.  I hope you enjoy.

joanna

Instant Tension Snappers


Any time of change brings about an increased amount of stress, and the transition from summer to back-to-school for mothers is an intense time of change. From the change in routine, to spending money on clothes and school supplies, to the thought of homework beginning, all of these cause stress on us mothers. This is on top of the normal day to day stress we all endure day in and day out. I found an article in the most recent Women’s Day that I found brilliant and wanted to share the best instant stress zappers



1. Take three deep breaths – 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out to slow your heart rate and the pace of your stress hormones



2. Act like a cat – stretch and then shake it out



3. Sing your favorite song – if you love music, then simply sing a song you love, it will increase your oxygen



4. Head rolls – hang your head forward and then rotate it in circles



5. Sit up straight – when you shoulders are back and you open your chest you breath more freely



6. Pop a piece of gum – when you chew it, it releases your jaw muscles than tense up when stressed



7. Take a mental break- stare at a picture of a loved one on your desk, or at home, or a pic of your favorite place



8. Take a walk – at work walk over to a friends desk or to the water–cooler, at home go outside for a quick walk…it relieves physical tension



9. Say a prayer – it is one of the most potent antidotes for stress



10. Let the sun restore you – go outside and face the sun, close your eyes and bask in the natural warmth for a few minutes