Last week we discussed several ways you can reduce the amount of stress you have in your life now, and in the future. Small adjustments to the way we view the world around us, as well as how we prioritize our time can make a significant impact to the quality of life we lead. Here are 7 more golden nuggets that will help you enjoy a more full, and meaningful life - all while reducing the level of stress you encounter on a daily basis.

Enjoy!

Spend less money

Money (or lack thereof) is one of the greatest sources of stress in our culture today. You can greatly reduce your stress by simply spending less. Visit the shopping malls less often and find fun activities that don’t involve spending a lot of money like playing a sport. It’s also important to get a grip on impulse buying. Small purchases add up quickly without you realizing it, and leave you feeling like you have holes in your pockets.

Get rid of clutter

A cluttered environment results in increased stress. Take a few minutes to get rid of items you don’t need and organize your surroundings. If you haven’t used an item in six months to a year, do you really need it? Are you sure? Also, if you have kids, birthday and other gifts add up over the years. And next thing you know you’re busting at the seams with toys. Our rule is one toy in, one toy out. Donate old items and get a break on your taxes!

Creativity

Get in touch with your creative right brain. Take some time to engage in creative arts. You don’t have to be Picasso to enjoy painting, crafts and other such activities. Develop a love for music, gardening, or creative writing.

Decompress

After a grueling day, it is important to take some time to assess your activities. This doesn’t mean beating yourself up. Try to be objective and see what went wrong and what you did right. And Moms, it’s okay to sit down! Don’t feel guilty about taking an hour to watch some mindless television or read a few chapters in a book. The world won’t stop spinning, I promise!

Have fun

Take some time everyday to have some fun. Engage in an activity that you enjoy. This could be anything from sports to completing a crossword puzzle. Get on the floor and play with your kids. Or, if they’re older, find a hobby you can do together. This will foster a closer relationship, which can reduce significant stress for obvious reasons.

Talk

Talk to someone you trust about the problem or situation you face. This can be a professional or a friend or family member that you trust. Talking will help you get perspective on an issue. Don’t live in isolation. In this day and age, it’s easy to do, but meaningful relationships are essential to our health and well being. It’s an investment of time to be sure, but the return is a much more full, meaningful, and joyful life.

Avoid alcohol

Sometimes the temptation to drown our stress in a glass of wine (or a few of them) can be very appealing. Problem is, if this becomes a cycle, it only leads to other problems which create more stress. It helps nothing. Enjoy yourself, but find healthier alternatives to coping with life’s difficulties. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run (and your liver will too!).

Develop a sense of humor

Try not to take yourself too seriously. Laugh at the things that happen in your life and learn to brush off negative comments and incidences. We often hear that “laughter is the best medicine” and it’s true. Plan wisely for your future, but don’t borrow tomorrow’s trouble. Each day has enough problems of it’s own.