With Autumn’s colorful leaves, comes a long list of pet-peeves. Transitional periods can be extra stressful, especially with the back-to-school season in full swing. Whether it’s you or your little ones, fall can feel like a return to “real life”. Don’t let the stress get to you this year by following one, or all of these de-stressing tips.

• Accept what you cannot change
• Sing out loud
• Turn off your cell phone.
• Stick your hands in the dirt (garden)
• Be super honest with someone you love
• Get up and jump around, spin around, stretch, and dance
• Be proactive not reactive
• See your BFF
• Be decisive
• Laugh at yourself and at life
• Leave time for the unexpected
• Make time to emotionally and physically transition out of the work day
• Take a bath
• Sit in the sun
• Take deep slow breaths
• Look at a happy photo from the past
• Visualize a peaceful comfortable place
• Listen to a favorite song
• Use aroma therapeutic herbs and essential oils
• Spend time alone in nature
• Buy an adult coloring book
• Write a letter to a faraway friend
• Leave work early sometimes (with permission)
• Sleep well & regularly (makes such a big difference)
• Keep a journal
• Ride your bike to work
• Wander around town by yourself
• Create a spa day at home: soothing music, hot towels, candles or incense
• Set small & achievable goals
• Smile at a stranger
• NO really, turn your cell phone OFF!!!
• Forgive others, let go of resentment
• Acknowledge negativity and then release it
• Ask for help when you need it
• Eat a protein-rich b-fast
• Focus on one day at a time
• Ride on public transit, even when you don’t need to.

Have any more stress reducing tips? Let me know in the comments below.