LETTING GO

Stress can be a constant companion during separation and divorce. Unfortunately, stressful thoughts and feelings can actually damage your physical health. So how do you relax and de-stress? If you're like most people, what leaps immediately to mind are "treat" behaviors: smoking, drinking, taking drugs (prescription or "recreational"), eating a carton of chocolate ice-cream - whatever gives you feelings of pleasure and well-being, no matter how transitory. Unfortunately, these behaviors temporarily ameliorate some of the symptoms without addressing the root of the problem - and none of them contribute to health and vitality.

Here are some better solutions. Consider practicing Yoga and/or meditation on a regular basis (daily is best). Yoga can help you release built-up tension and stress, strengthening the body while calming the mind. Once you've learned the poses, all you need to practice yoga is a quiet, comfortable place and about 20-40 minutes each day to breathe and stretch your stress away. Before trying yoga or meditation on your own, you should meet with a qualified instructor to learn how to do it properly - which poses you should practice, and which you should avoid. Your instructor will guide you through the correct positions, and teach you the basics of proper breathing, meditation, and other relaxation techniques. "People who practice yoga and meditation report they have more self-confidence, sleep better, eat better, and that their stress and anxiety levels are greatly reduced," says yoga instructor Helen Goldstein. "And 20 minutes of meditation has the positive effects of two-to-three hours of sleep."