Chilling Out

George F. Burns was an American comedian who lived from 1896 - 1996, I think his research project - LIFE - was substantial, so I believe him when he says “If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.”

Do you have some tried and true tricks you use to chill out? I have some that I include in my weekly routine to maintain calm. Unfortunately, this doesn't translate into me being the embodiment of tranquililty, but these methods help me to return to calm quickly.

Before I get out of bed I try to remember to set an intention for the day. Most days I exercise, this ranges from a couple of salutes to the sun to running up and down the stairs, dancing to some sick beats or mostly walking along the brook. When I can feel stress pinging I find a task to focus on like making a piece of art or I lie down to meditate or read.

It's crazy how "out of my mind" we can feel when stress mounts, but it also feels magical as it melts away and we return to ourselves.

My essentials won't be yours, but I would love to hear about how you CHILL OUT!