Ways to Relieve Stress Through Chores

..And other day to day activities.

It's no secret that we all get stressed out at times. Whether we show it or not is another story. One thing is for sure: it's important to deal with it.

Our lives can get so busy that sometimes we don't have time to set aside for ourselves. Here are some ways to deal with stress through chores and other daily activities.

Note: unless otherwise stated, if able, it's good to do these alone, with no children crying, no husband whining talking to you, etc.

1. Fold Laundry

We all hate doing laundry. Trust me, I know. I used to drag my laundry three blocks, in the middle of winter, to a laundry mat just so I could save a few bucks.

It's hard to believe but folding laundry can actually be relaxing. Don't think of it as a chore. Let yourself relax while doing it. It's a great time to think about the things you're going through and remind yourself that you'll get through them.

2. Cook

If you like cooking, you already know how relaxing this can be. That is, when you don't have anyone in the background disturbing you.

Find a dish that YOU want to eat. Make that. The chopping of the vegetables, the aroma of a dish you're making, what's not to love?

Not a good cook? Hate cooking? Try an easy recipe. Or move on to #3.

3. Bake

Baking can be even more relaxing than cooking. I'm pretty sure that chocolate chip cookie dough is the solution to most of life's problem's, so what better way to deal with your own than by making a batch! Don't forget to lick the bowl after. I won't tell anyone.

4. Scrub, scrub, scrub

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I hate cleaning. Seriously, I hate it. But I do it because it needs to be done. When I really get into a cleaning spree, I manage to work up a sweat.

Scrub the bathtub, the sinks, the floor! Scrub the crap out of it. With each scrub, release your stress and any anger you're holding in. Not only will you feel better after but the house will be clean too!

5. Walk. Don't drive.

Have to do an errand? If it's close enough, walk there. The fresh air will help relax you. The walk will give you some clarity.

6. Go play!

Grab the kids and go play tag. Take them to the park and go down the slides after them. Be a kid with them!

Crappy weather out? Play board games or hide and seek.

Do you have a dog? Take the dog out for a good game of fetch or tug-of-war.

No kids? Then what are you stressing about? I'm kidding. Call up some friends for board games, laser tag, go-karting or even just to have a drink shoot some hoops.

7. Take a shower

When we get really busy, we don't have time for a nice relaxing bubble bath, but we all make time for showers. Make your shower a little longer than usual and just relax!

8. Set out your clothes for the rest of the week

I kid you not. Waking up early in the morning and having to decide what I'm going to wear the day is not an easy task. Especially when I have to leave in the next 5 minutes and I'm still not awake. I know I'm not the only one out there like this either. Make life a little easier and plan ahead (you can even do this while folding that laundry).

When you're getting out the door on time, you'll thank yourself.

When your morning is off to a good start, usually the rest of the day is too!

9. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day

This sounds a bit far fetched, but they (whoever "they" are. For arguments sake, we'll call them Google) say that drinking water makes you less stressed out. Simple reason? Your brain needs water to function. When you're dehydrated, you become stressed because your brain is trying to knock some sense into you. Plus, water is good for you in lots of other ways.

There's also no way you can't find the time to drink water - so drink up!

10. Look in the mirror, smile and repeat after yourself

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You're going to come across some mirrors throughout your day. When you do, stop, look in that mirror, smile and remind yourself that you're beautiful. Remind yourself that you will get through this. Repeat something important to yourself 10 times. For example, if you're going through a tough breakup and you're afraid of going back to that person that hurt you, tell yourself, 10 times, "I deserve better." Keep doing this every time you see a mirror. You'll start to believe it. Before you know it, you'll start to feel less stressed out and back to your normal self!

Stay happy, everyone!

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