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
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