When I was growing up, my mother firmly believed in mental health vacation days. My brothers and I would have 2 or 3 days through out each school year to take off and do anything we wanted, or just relax!

This was a great idea then and its a great idea now! Everyone needs a day here and there to just do, be, or go. So give yourself the gift of a "mental health" vacation day-- and have fun! You will return invigorated and ready to take on the world!

1. Massage is a natural immune system strengthener
2. Massage therapy releases toxins from the body which allows the body to function at a higher capacity
3. Massage therapy in amazingly relaxing, increases circulation and improves concentration.
4. Massage therapy is a scientifically proven method of stress reduction
5. Massage feels so good and is a wonderfully caring thing to do for yourself!

Schedule 5 minutes each day for the next 2 weeks to sit quietly and be alone with your own positive and encouraging thoughts. For added stress reduction... engage in this activity outdoors.

The result of this activity will be increased energy and calmness! Enjoy your 5 minutes of freedom!

Say no to at least 3 commitments this week. I’m sure there are at least 3 commitments you do not want to participate in anyway! We call this obligation. And obligations are usually tasks that you resent anyway. So diminish your stress level and just say no! Use this extra time to take care of YOU! Go for a walk, get a massage or pedicure, or take a needed nap!

Spend some time with children this week with no expectation! Let the child or children direct the playtime and you simply go with the flow. Children's' play is beautiful and unique to each child. If you'd like to reduce your stress this week, spend a few uninterrupted, quality, agenda-free hours enjoying the splendor of a child.