Most New Year’s resolutions surround losing weight. How about you focus on stressing less in 2016?

70% of Americans report that they experience regular physical or emotional stress.

Stress can contribute to some serious health problems. High blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes are all impacted by stress.

Even if you are eating right and exercising, that high stress job and long to do list may be wreaking havoc on your health. 

Meditate.

Meditation is not just for hippies and yogis. It actually has proven health benefits, especially for the brain. Meditation reduces anxiety, improves brain function, and helps the body defend itself against illness. 

You don't need a dark room, silence, and a yoga mat to meditate. Meditation comes in lots of shapes and sizes. There is sitting meditation, standing meditation, walking meditation, tai chi meditation, dance meditation, daily life meditation, hand movement meditation, breathing mediation, and much more! Find a style that best fits your life and incorporate it into your daily routine.

Restore.

Most yoga studios have a restorative yoga class. This is very different from the sometimes intimidating, 95-degree hot yoga class. The focus of restorative classes is bringing stillness to both the body and the mind. Restorative yoga centers the breath and the body, aligning the physical and mental selves by practicing stillness and gentle movements.

This specific yoga practice has been shown to greatly increase mental health and reduce stress. It physically and mentally forces you to slow down, soothes the nervous system, encourages mindfulness, elicits self-awareness and introspection, and provides a general feeling of peace. Find a restorative yoga class at your local yoga studio and sign up today!

Move.

Traditional exercise is one of the best de-stressors out there. When you exercise, the body releases endorphins,  the feel-good neurotransmitters that lift your spirits. Endorphins aren’t only released in a "runner's high" — swimming, tennis, yoga, hiking, biking, or any other strenuous physical activity can release them!

Regular exercise can increase your self-confidence and lessen feelings of mild depression and anxiety. It can also improve sleep, which further decreases stress levels in the body.

Meditate, Restore, and Move into a stress free 2016.