Weekly relaxers
Go back to kindergarten
• When Bridle fades at work, she heads to the kindergarten classroom to remind herself of her inner child. "They're so huggy,'" she says.
• Slip into a painting smock and get messy with finger paint.
Connect with Mother Earth
• Try sinking your hands into some clay - "it's amazing how grounding that can be," Soligo says.
• Garden - whether planning it or digging in it's a great stress reliever.
Hit the books
• Keep a journal. "If you take that feeling of being stressed and use it as a way to be more reflective," Soligo says, "you'll find what you're doing in your life to cause stress. Then use it to de-stress."
• Luxuriate in a good book for one hour of uninterrupted "me" time.
Convert steam into sweat
• Power walk or power shop. Occasionally Belisle goes on a spending spree. "You can almost feel the adrenaline settling in," she says about the calming effect of the mall. She buys everything from new dishes to paintings, but the next day, she's at the return counters.
Pamper yourself
• Whether it's the perfect cup of tea or a 10-minute manicure or massage, take the time to indulge in yourself. It's amazing how focused you may be afterwards.
Monthly rechargers
Sing out
• Get together with friends and sing, Soligo suggests. Bring song sheets, or just go for it.
• Turn the stereo up at home and join in.
Share
• Go to a workshop aimed at women with your own interests.
• Plan monthly dinner parties. Try different restaurants, or alternate hosting duties. "Women need other women," Soligo says. "We have a lot to give each other."
Forget about it
• "It's really good to spend time with people who can't commiserate with you," says nurse Sue Tilley. Not only does Tilley escape to the cottage to recharge, but her friends there aren't connected to her profession, so she doesn't talk about her major stressor - work.
Count on trouble
• "I plan the day and expect that things are going to happen," Belisle says.
• "If you expect the stress, then it doesn't hit you as hard."
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