Stressed out???

So the past year of my life has easily been the craziest year of my life. I've been adjusting to my new responsibilities as a mother and also as a business owner. The "to do list" at times is overwhelming and I must confess, even with my background in health and wellness, that I lost track of balance in my life. Stress manifests in many ways... and we typically cope by not taking care of ourselves. Working harder isn't always the answer. I've learned the most important thing is to remember to breathe, to move, and to slow down. Breathing connects us to the present and helps us clear our body of toxins. We tend to hold our breath in times of stress, so it becomes that much more vital to breathe throughout the day. Movement is another vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Getting up, away from your computer, and walking around or stretching is one of the best things you can do to release the tension and stress which accumulates in your body. Workouts obviously help, but just moving brings great benefits. Lastly, slow down. Somehow the "to do list" always takes care of itself. I've found more peace in my life the past few months, remembering to breathe deeply, to get up and walk away, and to allow a pause or a break in my day. My life really hasn't become any less stressful, it's just my approach to it that has created more peace.