Here are some quick tips and ideas that will help you recharge and renew yourself post-holiday without upping your stress or derailing your back to work schedule:

• BREATHE. Do this with me right now: Breathe in slowly through your nose for 7 seconds. Hold that breath for 5 seconds. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 7 seconds. Repeat as many times as you’d like. Do it while driving, working, whenever. It’s free and easy, and it instantly calms you down and allows your body to restabilize your blood pH by reducing its cortisol (stress hormone) levels, thereby naturally and instantaneously lowering your stress-level.
• LISTEN. Listen to anti-stress or meditation CDs. Look them up online, read reviews, pick some good ones, and listen! Easy. You could also go on iTunes and listen from you computer, iPod, or an iPod speaker dock – just don’t do this while driving!
• STRETCH. Stretching, yoga, and light cardio (exercise) are two enjoyable ways to release “happy” hormones and promote circulation, which leads to feeling good and dealing with stress in a positive way. Stretch for a few minutes every morning before getting ready for the day, and if your schedule permits – go to a yoga or low-impact fitness class twice per week (and/or buy one or two yoga DVDs to do at home.)
• READ. Read A Thousand Names for Joy: Living in Harmony with the Way Things Are by Byron Katie. This is one of the best books for reducing and eliminating your stress through a simple shift in your mindset and thoughts. It’s easy to understand and an enjoyable, calming read.
• TAKE MAGNESIUM. Magnesium has incredible relaxing and detoxifying effects, in addition to balancing all the calcium we get from our food. Our diets are so lacking in magnesium, it is no wonder we are often over-stressed and riddled with calcium-related issues like arthritis and constipation. In addition to eating more fresh organic fruit and steamed vegetables, try Pure Essence Ionic-Fizz Magnesium Plus or Peter Gillham’s Natural Calm powder between meals and before bed (follow the directions on the jar.)