Today is day three of VEDA and I’ve chosen to discuss ways healthy to relieve stress in your life. I feel like I’ve had a lot of practice with this because as a teen, I wasn’t even remotely good at coping with problems in a healthy way and I just kind of melted down constantly. Now I tend to just move on to the next [positive] thing if something isn’t going right for me. Here are some things that I do relax my mind and body…

1. Crochet. This is the most relaxing thing that possibly exists in the world. Crocheting doesn’t take much thought but it gives your hands something to do and you even get an interesting piece of artwork when you’re finished. I learned to crochet in a combination of being shown in person and reading how-to articles online. There are plenty of videos explaining how to do it but I couldn’t keep up with those.

2. Color. Oh yeah, now we’re talking like you’re 5 but I dare you to try and be upset while coloring a picture of a unicorn flying over a rainbow. Be a rebel, go outside of the lines. You’re stressed enough without having to worry about being an artist!

3. Clean. I said that one too, I sure did. Chaos stresses people out, it’s a fact. If you are surrounded by a clean and organized spaces, the chances are that you will feel much more relieved.

4. Yoga. This in an obvious one but just in case you didn’t know. It’s nice and mellow for many people. Yoga itself is very silent for me so I actually like to put on the CD from my third daughter’s birth, a collection of beautiful Celtic music accompanied by nature sounds. A babbling brook won’t let me feel stressed and burdened, I’m telling you.

5. Shop. Retail therapy can hurt your bank account but it can make you feel so much better. I tend to hate shopping but if I’m stressed out, I like to treat myself to little [needed] goodies. I can do something as go to the store to pick out a new tablecloth and underwear and I will feel so much better. The “stress” of having to decide between the floral patterns and the solid colors takes away from the real stress going on.

6. Games. I am really loving the Lumosity app on my phone. It’s a brain training game that seems to have an endless array of challenges for each day. Any game that entertains you can help to take your mind off of things but I am a huge fan of brain games!

7. Company. When I’m feeling upset, I like to talk to my husband, best friend, or my mom most of the time. My husband will give me the hugs I need and my mom and best friend give me the emotional hugs I might seek. If you’re not a people kind of person, I find that cuddling with the pets is just as lovely! My dogs are fabulous at being able to tell when I need their cuddles and really, they’re interested in it 24/7.

8. Blog. Even if you’re not a blogger yet, why not? Exercise your mind and release the tension in your brain, let some of it out! You don’t necessarily need to discuss the ills in your life but you can talk about something you need support on or even write a positive story that can change your mood.

9. Sleep. I know this one isn’t an option for a lot of the parents out there but my husband and I will often offer if we can tell that the other one is feeling mighty run-down. An hour or two nap is allotted, while the other parent quietly entertains the children. The difference it makes is amazing.

10. Comedy. My favorite comedians are Gabriel Iglesias and Jim Gaffigan but Last Comic Standing’s Joe Machi is up there too. Ah, I have so many favorites. I love stand-up comedy. Movies in the comedy genre do the trick too. It’s tough to be stressed out if you’re cracking up.

The most important thing to do when you’re stressed out is remember that it’s all going to work out. The craziness is only momentary and things will settle down.