We know you’re stressed—and so we offer up these top ways guaranteed to help you unwind. Breathe in, breathe out . . .


Sit in any relaxing position, preferably in a quiet location, and close your eyes. With hands lying along your sides or on your stomach, focus on your belly rising and falling as you slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Mentally count up from one as you inhale and then exhale to that same count to balance your breath. When you notice you’re relaxed, you’re finished!


You don’t have to be in a quiet room to meditate. Simply find a fixed point and let your eyes soften on it and remain on it while you mentally repeat a favorite word, sound or mantra.


As you go about your day, find a moment to stop and say a silent prayer of gratitude for the things you’re thankful for, perhaps a yummy and warm breakfast, a soft sweater, loving friends or a spouse or even sunny skies. Smile and then simply go on.

Close your eyes while extending your arms straight from your shoulders. Pinch your thumb and index fingers together while fanning the rest of your fingers. Big breath in; big breath out. Repeat 3 times; open your eyes to see if you still want to act on that road rage.


Uh oh, you’ve lost your cool. Maybe it was with a co-worker or the clerk at your favorite deli. Now what? Put your day back on track by stopping to mentally replay the scene with you doing the right thing. Open your eyes, and say softly to your victim, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you—now I’ve made us both feel bad. Let’s try that again ...” Watch the stress simply vanish with your healing words.