by Anna Lee Boschetto

MOVE IT
Keeping active is the number-one way to relieve stress, period. So get a move on and carve out some gym time. While an hour a day may sound impossible, you don’t have to jam it all in at once.
Your Plan: Blocking out two 30-minute or four 15-minute sessions throughout the day will give great results!

PLAN YOUR (CLEAN) EATS
We’re not suggesting you stave off the office treats, happy hour, caffeine or sugary treats for good. Just keep it simple by planning your indulgences accordingly.
Your Plan: Think clean and choose a variety of lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and drink tons of water throughout the week so that you can enjoy some guilt-free treats.

GET YOUR D-OSE
Unless you’re in Alaska, you’re not living in darkness 24/7. Sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D, which helps combat stress, depression and chronic fatigue.
Your Plan: Get your daily dose from a day of skiing, downing a glass of fortified OJ or eating a piece of grilled tuna. But if these don’t seem likely then make sure you’re getting enough with a daily vitamin.

ENLIST THE ELVES
Contrary to your mother’s (or mother-in-law’s) opinion, there is nothing wrong with delegating tasks to keep from coming undone. When you’re looking at your schedule, consider what’s important to you and send the rest packing.
Your Plan: To-do lists are also great ways to banish stress. Does everything on that list need to be done right now?

BOOK IT
Booking a spa treatment might seem like the last thing you would do, so think small – even a mini-mani will do wonders. According to Premier Spas of Ontario, spa treatments help reduce the occurrence of stress-induced muscle pain, headaches and depression.
Your Plan: Don’t sweat it – just book a time and a location. And don’t cancel – no matter what.

CREATE YOUR OWN SPACE
Peace in your own home can be as simple as creating a little room just for you. When you’re nestled into your own space you have nothing to worry about, so just kick back and relax.
Your Plan: Arrange your most comfortable armchair in one corner, light some scented candles and make sure you have plenty of pillows to lay your weary head, feet and back upon.

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC
Look for the latest compilation from your favorite artists. Go on, treat yourself; they all have at least one! And if you prefer your music live, check out local listings, indi-bands and theater groups for concert promotions.
Your Plan: Download remixed versions of your old favorites. Most cost less than a buck per song!

TAKE IT TO THE NET
When it comes to mall crowds, avoidance is the only cure; so don’t shy away from doing it all online. Where else can you buy those new yoga pants while the kids are in bed. That’s efficient!
Your Plan: Coordinating a mid-week date with your BFF means avoiding shopping among the masses.

GLOBE TALKING
While you’re not likely to have the luxury of cross-continent house swapping à la Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, according to iVillage.com, getting in touch with the outside (and seemingly saner) world is just a mouse click away.
Your Plan: Join hands and support your gals stressing out around the globe. Think you’re suffering in Seattle? Wait until you hear your counterpart rant about her Russian in-laws.

LAUGH INSIDE AND OUT
Laughter relaxes arteries and boosts blood flow, in turn reducing those stress knots in your stomach. Try it for 15 minutes a day as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Your Plan: Gather your best gal pals – you know they’ll be thankful – stock up on Will Farrell flicks and hunker down for your own private laugh-in.

Have you discovered other ways to banish stress? Tell us about it: webeditorial@oxygenmag.com