How do you spell relief?

Stress can creep right into a person's life, seemingly without warning. Like a freckle we've had since we can remember, over time we quickly become accustomed to feeling stress so that we no longer notice it sitting with us.

What I've noticed is that building stress-releasing activities into my daily routine can really help me release stress, and prevent stress build-up. Kind of like using Tilex every time you shower, releasing bits of stress each day keeps my mind and body feeling clear. I also find it leaves me better prepared to deal with minor irritations and what can sometimes feel like huge crises.

For me, there are so many avenues for relieving and releasing stress, and they are often some of the same things that nourish my spirit in general.

• walking
• painting
• ceramic or clay work
• crying
• laughing
• talking
• singing
• meditation
• writing
• dancing around like a faerie
• being playful
• spending time in nature
• gardening

How do you relieve and release stress?
How do you nourish your spirit?