By Maria Hicks

What makes you really stressed? It is your work, finances, health, traffic? I know we are all stressed out, maybe a little and maybe a lot. It’s hard to just tell yourself to “stop stressing” or anyone else to tell you that. There are a couple things we can do to decrease physical stress but we have to be intentional about it. When we are stressed out, hormones get out of whack in our body and there are a few proven ways to balance your hormones and balance your mental and physical state.

Here are a few of my favorite stress busters – and they work!

Stretching: You can’t tell me that stretching doesn’t feel great. It is really a great way to lower stress hormones and refresh your body and brain. Practice stretching every single day – morning, afternoon and night. Huge benefits for such a simple task!

Deep breathing: This is a wonderful way to relax! Take a few minutes everyday, to focus on breathing, especially before bed and it may help you fall asleep faster – it’s worked for me for the last few years.

Laughing: Who doesn’t feel incredible after a good laugh? Laughing releases endorphins (the “feel good” hormones) – similar to exercising. Laughing reduces stress almost immediately. So, make sure to watch your favorite funny movie or sitcom and talk to your funny friend (we all have at least one funny friend!)

Exercise: Even just a 10 minute power walk when you get home after being stuck in traffic will reduce stress! Go ahead… make time to lower stress, feel great and burn calories by exercising most days during the week.