TOP 5 WAYS TO DOWN SHIFT AND STRESS LESS

1. Nurture yourself. Set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, working out, or listening to music. Unwind after a hectic workday by reading, practicing yoga, or taking a bath or steam shower.

2. Protect your day off. Try to schedule some of your routine chores on workdays so your days off are more relaxing.

3. Spend time with family and friends. Surround yourself with people who listen, laugh easily, and find the humor in everyday events. Avoid the “Debbie Downers” of the world.

4. Slow down, unwind, and de-stress. Some of life’s most precious moments will pass us by if we don’t take the time to notice them. Make more time for slower-paced activities by turning off the TV, leaving work at the office this weekend, and reclaiming some time and space in your routine.

5. Get happy. Happy hours are a great way to relax and connect with co-workers, neighbors, family, and friends. It doesn’t have to include alcohol; but if you want, grab a beer or a glass of wine* since studies suggest that a drink or two a day may be good for you. But more than that, studies also point to personal connections and friendships as being an important factor to enjoying a healthy, long life.

*only if you have a healthy relationship with alcohol

LEAVE STRESS IN YOUR INBOX

Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. Although everyone experiences stress,the world's longest-lived people have routines to shed it. 

Adventists pray, Ikarians nap, and Sardinians do happy hour. Pick a de-stressing strategy that works for you and put it into practice.