Gardening is a great way to release tension. Spring is planting time and the meditative qualities of planting, weeding, and harvesting a garden help to reduce blood pressure and increase those feel good hormones. In addition, growing your own organic vegetables or herbs lowers your grocery bill, and assures that you get fresh, organic vegetables all summer long! If you don't have room for a garden in your yard, check out the many community gardens that have sprung up all over the United States. Working your own small plot in a larger community garden also offers you the opportunity of social gatherings with new friends to talk about the growing season, which plants are coming in, different methods of fertilization, freezing and canning, etc.  

Take 10 - breaths, that is - a great habit to get into, and especially important for all of us active Baby Boomers. Many of us are working, taking care of one or more elderly family members, or helping to babysit the grandkids. These busy lifestyles can lead to stress related illnesses if we don't learn some techniques to stop stress now! So, whenever you feel yourself tensing up, or that stress headache coming on, simply stop and take a breathing break. Make each exhale longer than your inhale. This simple exercise helps lower your blood pressure, calm your mind, and reduce the tension in your chest and shoulders. It may be impossible to immediately take a break from the task at hand, but as soon as possible after an upsetting incident, take your breathing break, even if that means locking yourself in the bathroom for a few minutes!