feeling stressed?

i think that november can be a really stressful time of year. talking to students, this is when all the big papers and due and exams are coming. for teachers, we have report cards hanging over our heads plus then parent teacher conferences. these are all stressful things. i got an email from Women's Health about how to stress less (in timeline format) and i thought i'd pass a few tips onto you...

7:12 a.m.
Feel like a head case? Take the problem by the roots: In the shower, grab your hair close to your scalp — sounds painful, but just try it — and tug up to release tension. Then rub your fingers in small circles over your entire head to stimulate blood flow, which reduces pain and stress. (haha)

7:59 a.m.
Crank up KT Tunstall's album on the way to work. Listening to music is proven to reduce stress responses such as high blood pressure and elevated heart rate.
(fyi: i went to future shop the other day to buy KT's cd and got distracted by ben folds. maybe i'll go back.)

1:25 p.m.
While enduring an annoying phone call, do this: Sit on the edge of your chair and straighten your left leg in front of you. Exhale and bend forward from your hips, keeping your back flat and chest lifted. Hold for 2 to 10 breaths. Do the same with your right leg. This will relieve any tension built up from sitting at your desk all morning.

3:47 p.m.
Keep a golf ball under your desk and rub your bare feet over it for a private foot massage. Bonus: The boss will think you play golf. (i can't imagine actually doing this one. what if you wear boots and then the fire alarm goes off? or worse, what if you take off your shoes and then people are asking, "what's that smell?")

4:30 p.m.
Write on your blog. (just kidding. i added this one. but it is stress relieving.)

5:53 p.m.
Ditch the starchy suit and pumps for drawstring sweatpants and a hoodie the minute you walk in the door. (ok, so i'm not wearing a suit...actually, i'm wearing nice khakis and a hooded sweater but i'm still planning on sweats when i get home!)

8:00 p.m. (this one is for alyssa)
When you flick on Lost, grab some knitting. Researchers at the Mind/Body Medical Institute in Boston found that repetitive activities can help calm your nerves.

9:05 p.m.
Stress makes chronic skin conditions like acne worse, but honey can make them better. The bee's pride and joy is a moisturizer, antioxidant, and antiviral all in one sticky package. Spread a thin layer on your face and neck, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off with tepid water. (really? i'm nervous to try this...)

10:31 p.m.
Keep a notepad and pencil bedside to write down any to-dos that are weighing on your mind — it will help you let go of anxious thoughts and drift into la-la land.

ahh yes...maybe not all these will be help for you but i know that now that i've read this article, i've been convinced that i should be wearing sweatpants more. haha.