Stress is the biggest factor in poor health today. It can lead to high blood pressure, migraines, heart attacks, and insomnia. We are all very familiar with stress. It thrives on our current lifestyles. We race out of bed in the morning, scamper off to work, put in 12 hour days, fight rush hour traffic, do the housework, crash into bed, and then start all over again the next day. Stress has become the norm. And for those of us that are parents, it can be tenfold. We not only have our lives to juggle, we have to find time for piano lessons, soccer practice, school functions, and play dates as well. How do we fit it all in and not lose the war? And how do we combat it in this fast paced day and age when time is of a premium? Here are a few quick and easy suggestions to help you find your own "Moments in Relaxation".

Breathing. The one thing we all do every moment of every day can actually relieve stress if done properly. Breathe in through your nose, fill up your lungs, expand your stomach, and then let that breath go from yourmouth with an audible whoosh! Repeat and feel the tension wash away.

Music. What is that famous quote? Music soothes the savage beast. Well stress is certainly savage and ravaging. So pop in your favorite CD or cassette while you are sitting in that traffic jam and mellow out to the classics, or bop to the beat of the current hits. Whatever makes you feel good. And don't forget to sing! Not only does it make you feel great, it helps you breathe deep and pull all that stress relieving oxygen into your body.

Scent. Have you ever smiled at the smell of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls? Scents affect physiology, which is why aromatherapy is one of the most popular means of relaxation today. The scents of Basil and Peppermint can invigorate, while Lavender and Vanilla produce a calming effect. Find a scent you enjoy. Buy a candle, an air freshener, or the essential oils used in aromatherapy. Fill your house and car with calming fragrances and see what happens!

Move! The best stress relief is to get your body moving. Get up in the morning and do a few jumping jacks, touch those toes, or just jog in place. The following simple and wonderful method for relieving stress will take only 30 seconds out of your morning ritual. Take a deep breath through your nose. Exhale through your mouth (don't forget to make that noise!). Pull your hands way over your head, then bend forward as low as you can. Straighten up, then move every part of your body as fast as you can in any way shape or form comfortable. It may look a little silly, but it's time well spent and boy does it make you feel good!

Stress relief doesn't have to involve large amounts of time, or vast amounts of money. After all, if you are stressing over when you can take the time to relax, or how you are going to afford it, it's not going to do you much good! So, start simple, start small, build it into your daily routine, and feel the results!