You know stress can severely damage your health, right? Besides the underlying damage it’s doing, there’s how lousy it makes you feel in the moment. Who wants any of that? You don’t. But stress busting seems like it could require massive change on your part. Like meditating for 10 hours a day. So, you go on. Because … hey, that’s life.

Some of that is life. A lot of it isn’t. At least ponder doing some super easy things to release some of that stress. Here’s a good start:

• Alternate nostril breathing: Alternate nostril breathing (called pranayama) relieves stress and anxiety. It might be just the slowing down and breathing that helps, but it’s worth doing it this way. Only takes minutes and really does help. In short, what you do: Take either hand and position your thumb and forefinger, pointing downward, above your nose. Use your thumb to gently close off one side while you breathe in deeply through the other. Then use your finger to close off that side and breathe out through the previously closed nostril. Inhale again through the same nostril, close it off, release the other and breathe out through that one. Repeat a few times.
• Nature: Ah, the trees, the flowers, the birds, the fresh air … nature may be my top stress buster. If I can get out in a park or forest, the stress slips away. It’s such a big difference. This takes a teensy bit more time, but it’s completely worth it. No, don’t just go out in your yard, unless your yard truly does invoke pure peace, not a reminder to go pull some weeds, etc.
• Write: Write all the negative ick down. Get it out of you. Then go burn the damn thing. Or write about what’s still totally right in your world. Feel the appreciation. It’ll settle your senses.
• Make a different choice: Don’t choose to be stressed about things you can better ignore. Drivers who aren’t as amazing as you. Toothpaste squeezed in the middle. Co-workers who talk too much/chew gum/whatever. You know — that item you can’t change but, truly, really, if you’re honest with yourself, is not that big of a deal.
• Movement: Exercise releases endorphins that alleviate stress. This doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon. Simply get your body going, however pleases you at the moment. If this feels hard, just aim to get started. For a few moments. Getting started almost always leads to more, and you’ll feel much better then.
• Watch your words: Skip talking endlessly about things that stress you out. Sure, some of this may need your attention at times. It might not. Choose wisely and limit brutally.
• Fill-in-the-blank: Start paying attention to what makes you go ahhhhh. There could be things that totally relieve your stress that would make someone else crazy. That’s okay. Do it! It works for you, and that’s all that matters. We all are such unique beings. We have commonalities, of course, but we still are unique as well. Embrace your unique.

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Want to become the person who feels empowered about their health, not confused? That’s what I do: Work with you to create the plan that will put you in that place. Become emboldened; become well.