Tips for Reducing Stress Follow simple steps that'll help you to relieve stress. Have you ever come home from a tough workday feeling drained of energy? Finding a way to unwind and release your anxieties can be difficult. But stress doesn't have to be a bad thing, says psychotherapist Christine Soligo. "It's how you handle it." Recharging your batteries after an exhausting day, week or even month can be both productive and creative. Whether it's taking a brisk walk home from work or rediscovering the pleasure of colouring books, personal boosters take many shapes. But it all starts with being good to yourself. Daily boosts Just breathe Take a few deep breaths to calm down. "When you're stressed you tend to breathe really shallowly," Soligo says. "Take a five-minute break just to do nothing. A lot of us feel we don't have the time, but really, it's just five minutes." Find comfort in the kitchen Indulge in your favourite comfort food. A spoonful of peanut butter is a must for OPP Senior Const. Deb Belisle before she can answer the dreaded "what's for dinner?" question. Elementary school principal Brenda Bridle gets cosy with a bowl of popcorn and a Diet Pepsi during Prime Time. Bake. Whether it's eating the fruits of their labour, or simply the creative process, many women say they find solace with their spatulas. Take a "play" break "Make silly faces in the mirror, take a deep breath and make some funny sounds," Soligo says. Call a friend who tickles your funny bone. Complain "If you can follow complaining for 10 minutes with being grateful for five minutes, sometimes it can switch around," Soligo says. Even if you begin with being grateful for how angry you feel, you'll soon tire of complaining to yourself. Weekly relaxers Go back to kindergarten When Bridle fades at work, she heads to the kindergarten classroom to remind herself of her inner child. "They're so huggy,'" she says. Slip into a painting smock and get messy with finger paint. Connect with Mother Earth Try sinking your hands into some clay — "it's amazing how grounding that can be," Soligo says. Garden - whether planning it or digging in it's a great stress reliever. Hit the books Keep a journal. "If you take that feeling of being stressed and use it as a way to be more reflective," Soligo says, "you'll find what you're doing in your life to cause stress. Then use it to de-stress." Luxuriate in a good book for one hour of uninterrupted "me" time. Convert steam into sweat Power walk or power shop. Occasionally Belisle goes on a spending spree. "You can almost feel the adrenaline settling in," she says about the calming effect of the mall. She buys everything from new dishes to paintings, but the next day, she's at the return counters. Pamper yourself Whether it's the perfect cup of tea or a 10-minute manicure or massage, take the time to indulge in yourself. It's amazing how focused you may be afterwards. Monthly rechargers Sing out Get together with friends and sing, Soligo suggests. Bring song sheets, or just go for it. Turn the stereo up at home and join in. Share Go to a workshop aimed at women with your own interests. Plan monthly dinner parties. Try different restaurants, or alternate hosting duties. "Women need other women," Soligo says. "We have a lot to give each other." Forget about it It's really good to spend time with people who can't commiserate with you," says nurse Sue Tilley. Not only does Tilley escape to the cottage to recharge, but her friends there aren't connected to her profession, so she doesn't talk about her major stressor — work. Count on trouble "I plan the day and expect that things are going to happen," Belisle says. "If you expect the stress, then it doesn't hit you as hard."