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Overwhelmed? Anxious? Need to find some sure-fire ways to relax quickly? Help is here, thanks to Synergy readers who answered last month’s question about ways to beat stress.
Yoga, meditation and deep breathing also came in near the top of the list along with running, hiking, bike riding and other forms of exercise. Water clearly has a soothing appeal. Synergy readers like to go swimming, relax in a hot tub (during colder months), visit the ocean and listen to waves lapping at the shore. Several reported they also relax by spending time with family members and turning to prayer, too.
In addition, getting a massage, being outside in nature, reading, listening to music and simply taking the time to breathe deeply and slowly are popular ways to de-stress. “I look for reruns of ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ and watch all the silly things people record,” one survey participant told us. “You can’t beat a good laugh to relieve the stress of the day! ”
Several Synergy readers explained how their four-legged friends help them ease out of the cares of the day. We picked one survey participant at random, Cathy P., to receive a $ 50 Visa gift card. “While sitting on my patio after a stressed out day at the office, I suddenly felt a softness brush against my ankle and heard the most tender meow. As I bent over to pick up the sweet ball of fur named Boots, it dawned on me that all my frustration and stress seemed to have melted completely away,” Cathy shared. “Everything that seemed so insurmountable before quickly seemed insignificant with just a touch of a soft fluffy fur ball. Now, every morning and every evening, I tell my cat all my troubles. She is an excellent listener and I pet all my stress away.”
Thanks to everyone who participated! |
 Sherry Baker is a writer from Atlanta, Georgia. She last wrote the article on Ten Fast Stress Busters for Synergy. |
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