Stress. We all feel it sometimes, but the way we handle it usually determines how long it will last.

I’ve done a little research and gathered my findings in this edition of Lucky Seven!

It features 7 quick paths to serenity. 😀

1. Plan something
Having something to look forward to can be the perfect de-stressor.
Buy concert tickets, schedule dessert with a friend, make an appointment for a pedicure, order from a seed catalog, or plan a summer getaway!

2. Call a friend
Or email. Or visit! Discussing your worries helps you to feel cared for and can give you some perspective, too. What relief there is in sharing the burden!

3. Hit the tub
If you don’t have time for a hot bath – put a warm washcloth on your face. Take a deep breath and imagine you’re luxuriating in fragrant bubbles and feel the stress melt away!

4. Play soothing music
Before you know it, you’ll be breathing a contented sigh. Music truly has the power to calm and refresh.

5. Just Say No
Trying to be super-woman is a one-way trip to Stressville! Think carefully about your limitations, and stop trying to please everyone all the time.

6. Daydream
Research shows that spending a few moments gazing out a window at the clouds or the trees, and then allowing your thoughts to gently wander, can be a very beneficial way to snag a few moments of inner bliss.

And finally – my favorite tip of the bunch! 🙂
7. Show Those Pearly Whites
Did you know that smiling works both ways? We smile when we are happy – but the act of smiling can actually make us happy – even if we’re not at that moment. Smiling sends nerve impulses from the facial muscles to an emotional center in the brain, and those impulses push the neurochemical balance toward a feeling of contentment. So when you’re feeling tense – just smile!!!

How do you de-stress?