6 Effortless Ways to Relieve Stress

We've been talking about some pretty heavy stuff lately if you've been following the blog! So today I want to offer 6 effortless ways to relieve stress! Why? Because we all get stressed out! If you live in or near the city of St. Charles, IL - take advantage of the places listed below. If not, look for places in your neighborhood where you can try these things! Don't think about it for too long or you won't do it - remember it's supposed to be effortless! 

When you start to do these things, allow yourself to focus on positive things. Don't think about bills, your stressful job situation, the kids or anything else! Just focus solely on relaxing and enjoying time for yourself!

Effortless Tip #1:

Take a walk.  Yup, I said it. There's nothing more relaxing than taking a good old fashioned walk to clear your head. Maybe you like to walk in the rain or feel snowflakes on your fingertips. Whatever the case is, use this time to breathe in the fresh air and clear your head. Here are some parks in St. Charles to take a walk! Or if you don't mind noises or traffic, take a walk in downtown St. Charles!

Effortless Tip #2:

Listen to music. The good news about this is - you do this anywhere! If you're on the train or during your walk - good music makes everything better. Throw on your favorite Pandora, Spotify or I Heart Radio station and enjoy! BONUS: 

Effortless Tip #3:

Take a workout class. Nothing like good exercise to get your heart pumping, adrenaline going and muscles relaxed! Post work out of course! Zumba is a great way to have some fun dancing, getting some exercising in and possibly making new friends! If Zumba isn't your thing I get it. Here are 3 places in St. Charles to try a new work out class: V Fusion Studio, Synergy Kettlebell, CrossFit 333. As a bonus, check out these Groupons for fitness classes: St. Charles, IL Fitness! 

Effortless Tip #4:

Read a good book. This one takes a bit of practice since we have so many distractions now days! But if you hop on over to a Barnes & Nobles or your local Starbucks, you can typically snuggle up with a nice cup of coffee, tea or whatever you prefer and just. read. Not sure what to read? Head on over to Good Reads or Amazon Bookstore  for suggestions and real reviews based on your interest. Prefer to listen to a book instead? Head on over to Audible.com! BONUS: 

Effortless Tip #5:

Go to lunch with friends. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting down and having a good meal with friends! I try to do this as often as I can. Here are some ideas for local restaurants: Abby's Breakfast & Lunch, Alley 64 and the Beef Shack

Effortless Tip #6: 

Take a hot bath. This is one that also requires a little bit of practice, because it's so hard (especially for busy moms) to find time to just sit in the tub and soak. We rarely feel we have time and when we do get in the tub our mind wanders. Try something different. Sit in the tub for at least 30 minutes WITHOUT your phone (because you shouldn't be using your phone near water anyway!). Here are some potential items you could use to help you de-compress and relax: