Everything we do makes a difference. At any moment we can choose greater stress or greater relaxation. Certainly at times it's more difficult than others, but shifting yourself into greater peace and relaxation can be as simple as practicing any of the following:

Turn your attention to the moment. Most of the stress we have comes from lamenting something that has already happened or worrying about the future. If you find yourself feeling stressed turn your attention toward your breathing. Take a few slow, deep, belly breaths and then just breathe naturally keeping your attention on your breath for a few minutes.

Move your body. Take a walk, do some stretching, do yoga, go to the gym or for a bike ride. Our bodies love movement and even just a little makes a difference. I know how different I feel when I'm exercising regularly.

Imagine yourself at a peaceful place. Just picturing yourself at one of your favorite places (or a place you'd like to go) can shift your emotional state. The brain doesn't know the difference between something real or imagined. The same neural pathways fire and the same feel good hormones get released whether something is really happening or whether we are just imagining it.

Spend some time in nature. Being in nature is very calming and settling. So whenever you have the opportunity - take a walk outside, sit on a park bench, garden or relax by a body of water.

Focus on love. Think of those that light up your heart. Talk to a good friend or close family member. And give and get hugs. It's amazing how soothing a chat, a laugh, a heart-to-heart or a hug can be.

Affirm the positive and imagine yourself already having what you want. Close your eyes and visualize the outcomes that you want having already happened. See yourself as happy, peaceful, healthy, successful, fit and having attained the goals that you seek. Also, imagine others (people in your life that are in distress) as happy and well.

Practice EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Whatever you want to work on whether it is stress, pain, worry, anxiety, fear, or a habit you want to break you can "tap on it "and make a huge difference. In EFT we tap on energy meridian points and this helps balances our energies. The website www.emofree.com has lots of information on EFT and I also utilize it and teach it to my Hypnosis, Reiki and Massage clients as part of their sessions.

Wishing you the best,

Lisa