Stress. Our lives are filled with it. We can be stressed from work. Our family can stress us out. Even something simple like driving in the car or going to the store can cause us stress. If you’re beyond stressed out, it’s time for relief. Try our 10 stress relief tips and start feeling better.

1. Listen to Music: It doesn’t matter what music you listen to, music has a positive effect on the brain and body. It can lower your blood pressure and reduce cortisol.
2. Talk to a Friend: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, call a friend and blow off some steam. Friends are great for putting your life and stress in perspective.
3. Meditate: If you’re in the middle of a very stressful situation, take five minutes, and breathe deeply while meditating on the good things in life.
4. Unplug: Turn off your phone. Shut down your computer. Stop checking your emails. Unplug from the office and your schedule for a little bit.
5. Head Outside: Mother Nature is the ultimate antidepressant. Head outside to work in the garden, sit on the porch, or go for a run.
6. Get a Hobby: If you don’t have a hobby, find one, and if you have a hobby, practice it. If you love to read, during a stressful situation take a reading break. If you like to knit, do that.
7. Laugh: Find some way to laugh. Laughter decreases the levels of cortisol and adrenaline in your body providing you with instant calming relief and happiness.
8. Exercise: Even if you only have a minute or two, do some jumping jacks or squats. Take the stairs. Exercise releases endorphins and relieves stress.
9. Sleep: Sometimes the only way to get through the stress is to sleep it off. Lie in bed, put a warm compress around your neck, and let the world go.
10. Be Grateful: Life will always have stressors, but there’s plenty to be grateful for. When you’re stressed, be grateful for all the good things in your life.