12 Zen Ways to End Stress during the recession

By zenful • December 30, 2008

Now that the holidays are almost behind us, it’s time for all of us to find ways to de-stress ourselves and prepare for a fruitful New Year. We, at Zen-Tips.com,hope you find your way to are more stress free, zenful lifestyle.

1. Love -
Have you ever heard that saying, “Love is all we need”? It’s true… find time to cuddle up with loved ones when stress is at it’s peak.

2. Mediate -
Mediation is a key element of living a Zen Lifestyle. Mediation calms our nerves and reduces stress levels. Meditation can be done in our homes, our cars, just about anywhere you can sneak away to quickly.

3. Read -
Curling up with a good novel always takes me away from my own personal burdens and whisks me away into another world; leaving my troubles behind me.

4. Walk -
Walking is not only one of the best cardiovascular exercises we can do, it it’s a great way to get focused and to get our thoughts together.

5. Intimacy -
The fellas will love this one. Studies have shown that sexual relations relieves tension and stress immediately.

6. Massage -
Massage is another key element of a zen lifestyle. Steal away a couple of hours to a spa for a relaxing aromatherapy massage. The massage, mixed with aromatherapy that soothes our senses, will keep you relaxed and tension free for days.

7. Self Massage -
These trying economic times may not allow you the funds to splurge on a professional massage, but you can always do the job yourself. Slowly roll your neck from side to side while breathing deeply. Massage your neck, shoulders, lower back and abdomen. Don’t forget to breathe deeply to exhale any negative toxins.

8. Smoke -
Another one of my favorites and no, I don’t mean cigarettes. I like to go to a local Hookah bar in my neighborhood. The tobacco is all natural with fun flavors that can be added like Watermelon, or Lemon/Grape. Hookah is a popular way to relax and free your mind mentally, without breaking the law.

9. Siesta -
An afternoon Siesta is a practice that is done in Spain. The locals usually nap for at least an hour every day and all of the businesses close down at this time. Not a bad idea since cat naps are a good way for us to relax and re-energize our bodies. I’m a huge fan of cat naps, and I always get an extra boost of energy after having one.

10. Vacation -
Who doesn’t love to take a long vacation on a gorgeous island like Jamaica or the Virgin Islands. The recession may not allow that these days, but what’s to stop you from checking yourself and your SO into a nice hotel for even one night. Leave the kids with a sitter and relax on your mini vacation with some room service. I have done this by myself as well.

11. Exercise -
Exercise is another key element of a Zen Lifestyle. Exercise is necessary for the body and mind. Cardiovascular exercises get the blood pumping to our hearts and brains. It also releases stress by letting us work out little frustrations out.

12. Stretch -
Stretching is part of yoga and pilates. Be sure to breathe in and out deeply when stretching. Stretching and breathing sends oxygen to our brains and relaxes is immediately.

Zen-Tips.com