The way we live our lives now causes a lot of stress. Rushing around in the mornings, sitting in traffic or crowded public transport, and working to deadlines under harsh lighting. Even if this doesn’t look like your daily routine, you probably feel stressed about other things - paying bills, family health, etc. It can lead to feeling run down and even affect your physical health. It’s definitely in our best interests to be less stressed. But how? There are many ways to reduce your stress, and the good news is that all of them are very easy to incorporate into your day, just take a deep breath and read on. The first thing you should do is smile. Show your teeth, give a big toothy grin. Why not do it first thing in the morning in the mirror? You might feel foolish, but if it makes you giggle, even better.
Be thankful. Remember what you have - whether that’s your wonderful family or lovely garden. There is always something to be thankful for.
Pay the people you love compliments, as much as possible. It makes them feel better but it actually lowers your stress levels. See, how easy is that?
When you’re feeling low, why not Google some inspirational quotes? It may seem silly, but you’ll find one that suits your situation and speaks to you. This trick can change your day.
Live in the present. The past is done so there’s no point dwelling on it, the future will arrive no matter what you do, so don’t think too much about it.
Pour yourself a cup of mocha. Yes, it actually lifts your mood, which is good news. Get a plant for your workspace, scientific studies have shown how greenery brings us serenity.
Take a walk. Ideally head for a stretch of beach if you have one nearby, but a park is also good. Anywhere there is water will soothe your soul. Make sure you look at the nature around you and appreciate it.
At home, why not get a dog? They are great companions and will always love you.
Take a break from social networks, all that scrolling causes unnecessary stress. Leave groups that aren’t serving you.
All these will reduce your stress and make you breathe a little easier.
It’s hard these days for celebrities to get away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. It seems like there is a photographer lurking on every Caribbean beach, with a long-range lens to snap Bey on a private yacht or Orlando Bloom kayaking half a mile from shore. It’s not surprising that celebs aren’t sharing where their next vacation spot is when they are on the red carpet, as they’d probably like some time out of the spotlight. However, there are some places where they can get away from it all, and these three famous ladies have shared where.
Chrissy Teigen - Lake Como, Italy
Model, mom, and co-host of Lip Sync Battle, Chrissy Teigen, mentioned just how much she loves Lake Como. The Italian region has welcomed many other celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and of course, George Clooney. However, for Teigen, it is much more than just a holiday spot, as she married her love, John Legend there in September 2013. She said in a recent interview that the food is incredible near Lake Como. recently revealed that for her, there's no place quite like Lake Como in Italy, and the place will always have sentimental value for her.
Jennifer Aniston - Cabo San Lucas
Jennifer Aniston has a string of movie hits to her name, and of course, became a star playing Rachel in Friends. She can probably book a holiday anywhere she likes, but she favors the One and Only Palmilla resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She has been snapped there with her famous buddies, Courtney Cox and Jason Bateman. She has partied there for New Year too.
Demi Lovato - Kenya
Pop superstar Demi Lovato definitely needs a vacation sometimes. They have had a turbulent life, and have learned the importance of taking proper breaks. They visited Kenya in Africa for charity work, and worked with the WE movement to empower women and children in the country. Fans were delighted that Demi shared some images of her dressed in traditional Maasai costume, as it’s unlikely a photographer would have snapped her in the country.