"Movement is a medicine for creating change
in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states."
- Carol Welch

The first fix for stress is the easiest and provides instant relief: breathing. Close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose. Hold for five counts; exhale through your nose for 10 seconds. Repeat for two minutes. This deactivates your fight-or-flight response and helps you to relax!

If you're exhausted...

Do the bridge pose! It allows the lungs to fully expand, so more oxygen circulates to your brain and muscles. Lie on your back, knees bent, heels directly under your knees. Lift the hips, clasping your hands underneath your back, Hold for 30 seconds, breathing slowly.

Exercise

Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits. It pumps up endorphins, which are the brains feel-good neurotransmitters. It improves your mood by increasing self-confidence and lowering the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.