You know how bad stress is for you – you’ve heard all the statistics. You know you need to learn ways to relieve stress, but quite frankly, the breathing exercises and trying to meditate somehow seem to make the situation more serious and somber and doesn’t really help you to in your quest to relieve your stress. How about a change? How about trying some fun activities to lighten up the situation and to get rid of your stress? Here are a few for you to choose from:

• Sex – It turns out that everybody’s favorite is a great mood lifter and the great thing about sex is that it works both ways – sex leads to less stress and less stress leads to more sex. What could be better?

• Massage – A good massage can do wonders for anyone whether you’re stressed or not. Massage therapists know how to relax you and get all the kinks out.

• Exercise – We’re not talking about serious cardio here. Think up fun activities that you enjoy that involve physical activity: dancing, walking, riding a bike, badminton, volleyball, tennis, racquetball, baseball, golf etc. Anything to get you moving after building up tension from sitting behind a desk all day will work.

• Reading – Having a good book can take you to another place and get your mind off what is causing you stress. Take a trip to your local bookstore, spend time enjoying looking around, and then read to take your mind to another place.

• Laughing – There’s nothing like a good laugh to reduce stress. Not only is it fun but it reduces levels of stress hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine. Visit your local comedy theater, watch comedy on TV or online video sites.

• Drawing – You don’t have to be an artist to get stress relief from drawing – just doodle. Doodling lets your pent up energy have another outlet and takes your mind off your stress.

• Music – This is a favorite of many people to reduce stress. Just choose the type of music you enjoy and relax in your own way.

• No-brainer Games – You know the type – games you play online that you don’t have to think about – you just click. These games are actually useful when it comes to relieving stress. You’re concentrating on the game but not using any serious thinking skills and this serves to take you mind off your problems.

I think you’ll agree, sex, massage, dancing, reading, laughing, doodling, and listening to great music is a much more fun way to reduce stress. Pick one you like and don’t feel guilty. If anyone asks, just tell them you are working on stress management.

Jason Ladock

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