Being an adult can be stressful. I remember back to my teens and early twenties when I thought I knew everything about everything; the world seemed a bit more straightforward and simple. Today, it's not only the "typical" expected stresses one must deal with but the added pressures created by social media, the twenty-four-hour news cycle and the threat of natural disasters (granted not so much with the natural disasters in Idaho). Not to mention the stress caused by ones work, family, finances, health, and overall unhappiness. When I get stressed out, my sleep is the first to suffer which in turn affects my mood and productivity. That's why I think it's important to attack your stress and eliminate it. The following are tips and suggestions that I use to help reduce stress in my life.

Tip #1: Take a Break from Work

The modern career-driven American takes pride in overworking themselves. It's like a badge of honor. At my last job in Portland, some days would start at 4 a.m. and end at 10 p.m. only to get a call from my boss demanding I go back to the station and fix a minor issue immediately. I was willing to push myself to extreme measures at a sacrifice to my well being just to prove I was a hard worker. Not only did my mental and physical health suffer, but my family's as well. My work started to suffer because I was burnt out. I learned you have to take a break now and again.

Tip #2: Sensory Deprivation Therapy

This may sound a little odd. Imagine climbing into a coffin-shaped pod filled with salt water. While inside you are deprived of any sensory stimulation. No sound, light, gravity and since the salt water is kept at body temperature, you lose your feeling of touch as well. The tank is supposed to simulate deep sleep while you stay awake. I tried this a few times and left de-stressed and energized.

Tip #3: Breathe

This is simple, but something we often forget to do. Every now and then simply take a minute to breathe. The 7-4-8 method works great for me. Inhale slowly through your nose for seven seconds, hold for four seconds, then exhale out your mouth for eight seconds. This works well before you go to sleep.

Tip #4: Table Rock

I've lived in Idaho on-and-off for about ten years. When I'm stressed, I drive up to the cross at Table Rock to reflect. Looking down at the city always seems to center me.

Those are just some tip's I use to de-stress. Like I said earlier, you have to attack your stress and absolve it before it becomes detrimental to your health. What do you think? Share some of your de-stressing tips.

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