Welcome to the final day of HuffPost Healthy Living's 14-Day Stress-Less Challenge! In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, we've used the past two weeks to focus on becoming less stressed and more calm. Tell us -- either in the comments, on Facebook or @HealthyLiving -- how the challenge went for you. To check out previous days of the challenge -- and our continuing stress-less content -- click here
Congratulations! You've completed the 14-day stress-less challenge, and made some important first steps towards creating a more relaxing and less stressful lifestyle. To conclude your work in the challenge, look back at the worry journal you created on Day 1 -- have you chipped away at any of these stressors, or identified a new stress-relief strategy that works for you? Whether it's a breathing exercise, yoga practice or nutrition tip, the important thing is to find at least one small stress-relief trick that you can turn into a habit.
We can't control the stresses life throws our way, but we can control our reactions. That's why the editors of HuffPost have developed our "Less Stress, More Living" page -- to help you find practical solutions for dealing with stress in all realms of your life, from planning a wedding to cooking dinner to taking business trips to pregnancy and parenting. Here are a few highlights:
- For all things raising kids, our Parents section hosts the Stress-Less Parenting Club, with resources for all your parenting dilemmas, from planning birthday parties to building some personal time back into your busy schedule.
How have you reduced your stress these past two weeks? Which de-stressing strategies will you continue to use in the future? Send your answers (or a quick photo of your worry journal!) to HealthyLiving@huffingtonpost.com, Tweet us @HealthyLiving or post to our Facebook wall.
Stress-Less Fact Of The Day: Take a nap! Enjoying a brief midday snooze could lower cortisol levels. Can't fall asleep? Even a short period resting in bed can be helpful.