7 Little Habits That Can De-Stress Your Life

Sometimes it seems easier to 'go with the flow' than to change our daily habits. But, notes Huffington Post blogger Brianna Wiest, making small changes in the way we do things can help us feel more in-control and peaceful.

See if making a few of these changes helps to put you more at ease:

• Get rid of stuff you don't need – Clean out your closets and donate what you no longer use. Get rid of that hand-me-down sofa you never liked in the first place. Keep only those things that serve a purpose or have a positive meaning in your life.
• Organize what's left – Take the time to store away bills and paperwork so you can find them when you need them. Organize the clothing in your closets. Removing the fumbling and guesswork from everyday chores will help to keep you calm.
• Consume only what you need – Don't replace the stuff you got rid of with more stuff you don't need. Buy only the food you plan to eat and the clothes you know you will wear. A bolstered bank account and a feeling of confident self-control will make you feel much better.
• Pay only in cash – Overspending is more difficult when you use only cash. Being more conscious of what you are spending removes the fear of facing monthly bills and adds to your feeling of self-control.
• Keep a journal – Jot down the ideas, realizations and observations you have in your day-to-day life. Looking back and reflecting on the things that compelled you to express them can add comfort and understanding to your life.
• Cut down on coffee and tea – Replace at least some of tea or coffee with hot water laced with honey and lemon. It's relaxing, has more of a health benefit, and may help to ease stress.
• Burn candles in the evening – The flame itself is mesmerizing and calming – and candlelight provides a lovely ambiance that can help to calm and soothe you.

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