Summer officially starts this month. It is the perfect time to learn how to slow down life and take care of yourself. Stress causes inflammation in the body, weight gain around our middle, fatigue, headaches, stomach problems, anxiety, depression and the list just goes on. However, there are things we can do to help combat the stressors in our lives. The ones we don’t have control over I mean. Here are 5tips to help you reduce the stress in your life:

1. Connect with family and friends. We all try to make a considerable amount of time to spend with close friend and family. We discuss life events, exchange stories – but how often do we catch-up while truly listening and connecting? Put away the cellphones and steer clear of noisy environments. Connect on a deeper level.

2. Enjoy nature. When time permits – take a 5 to 10 minute break to step outside and breath-in some fresh air. Disconnect from the rest of the world and concentrate on the beauty of nature.

3. Give yourself more time. Some of us like to stick to a tight schedule and plan all our daily events. Next time you’re jotting down new tasks in your planner, try to factor in a few extra minutes when estimating how long things will take. This will help you not rush through daily tasks.

4. Take the scenic route. Next time you’re driving a somewhat long distance – try taking the scenic route. Driving through open fields, mountains, or viewing a city skyline can be very relaxing. Check out the scenic routes before your next trip!

5. Make time for yourself. When’s the last time you spent valuable time by yourself? Take a night to find a new book, watch a favorite movie, try yoga, meditate or cook a new recipe.

A few simple things can make a world of difference.

 Live Healthy and Whole,

Marian