10 Easy Ways to De-Stress

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, MARS Incorporated. All opinions are mine alone. #WhatMakesDove #CollectiveBias 

Today's post goes out to all my fellow hard-working ladies out there.  We made it halfway through the week - hooray!  Who else feels pulled in about a million different directions on a daily basis?  And now, with the holidays coming up soon, it's only going to get crazier... but we can do it!  Today, I am excited to share 10 ways that we can relax, calm, and all-around de-stress after a long day with a little "me" time:

1. Write in a journal: Get your feelings and thoughts out on paper.  For me, this blog is like my internet journal, and when I need time for myself, I write out my thoughts or share the good things I've been enjoying lately.

2. Exercise: Anything from a walk to an all-out sprint will release endorphines and help you feel positive.

3. Spend time outside: Even if you don't want to work up a sweat, bring a chair outside, and take deep breaths out in the fresh air.

4. Enjoy a favorite snack: Treat yourself a little.  DOVE Chocolate PROMISES have been my go-to recently, and with three flavors (Dark Chocolate, White & Dark Chocolate Swirl, and Sea Salt Caramel & Dark Chocolate), there's a perfect snack no matter how I'm feeling.  You can purchase the 31 ounce canister at Sam's Club. The best part about DOVE is the little inspirational message hiding in each wrapper.

5. Reach out to a friend: Make a call, send a text, or visit a neighbor who you haven't seen in a while.  Taking your mind off stress and laughing with a friend can help you feel more relaxed immediately.

6. Buy a plant: Having houseplants not only livens up your home but also helps you breathe more easily with the release of oxygen and can improve your health by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

7. Pamper yourself: Take a bath, give yourself a facial, or paint your nails.  Feel better on the inside by indulging yourself on the outside.

8. Craft: The repetitive motion of crafting can help those who suffer from anxiety or chronic pain with effects similar to meditation.  While I enjoy making string bracelets, beading, knitting, and crocheting can also ease stress and increase happiness.

9. Unplug: Stop checking your phone every 5 seconds.  I know when mine is on, I look over every other minute to see if I have any new emails or alerts.  With it completely off, hopefully you will have more time and mind power to focus on other things.

10. Go to bed early: If you can't wake up later on a weekday, give yourself more sleep and make it feel like you're sleeping in later by going to bed before you usually do.  Limiting screen time late at night can help you fall asleep more quickly, too.

As you can see, I love the concept of women supporting women, and DOVE Chocolate is doing just that.  While I am working to support the women around me, DOVE has partnered with CARE to help female farmers succeed in West Africa.  With the CARE program, women are obtaining funds to be invested in their farms and enabling themselves to make decisions for not only their households, but also their farming communities.

Join the conversation and see what DOVE is doing to help women around the world by clicking here.  When you purchase DOVE Chocolate, you can even sign up to earn $1.50 back on Ibotta with the purchase of the 31 oz DOVE Chocolate PROMISES canister.

What is your favorite way to unwind?