Stress.

We all have it, and we all want to get rid of it. Luckily, we can.

Every day, you can take a few key steps in your life to rid yourself of the stress that all too often falls on your shoulders.

Here are five ways to get rid of — or at least reduce — the stress you face.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

They say that one of the best ways we can reduce stress is by getting out into the beautiful world around us. Indeed, nature is a great way to get the endorphins going, and to kick your stress to the curb. Whether it’s a beautiful park, a pristine botanical garden, or just a hotel balcony with a view, find nature and go there. Now.

Dream. Hope. Love.

Positive emotions like hope are key to making sure your stress is as low as possible. Every day, think of a way you can better tap into these key emotions and cultivate the side of your heart and mind that love to hope, dream and — yes — love.

Smile.

You’ve likely heard it said that smiling makes you actually feel better. It’s true, and I have more than one friend who swears by smiling in the mirror whenever she feels down. Try it for yourself to see if it does — as reported — boost your mood. It can’t hurt, right?

Read

I’m a big reader, and reading for me is long-held passion. So, to lift my spirits it works well given how much I love it. But even if you’re not a huge reader — or a passionate one — it turns out the act of sitting down, resting, and reading a good novel can really make you feel better. The key is to immerse yourself in a story – or another life, or another land – and not a non-fiction business book, say (via gamory). It really can turn your mood around.

Dress Up. (Or Just Get Dressed.)

My best friend used to laugh at the way I get up in the morning and immediately get dressed and put on shoes — even when working from home. It turns out that what I naturally do is hardwired to make you feel better. Take a shower, put on a necklace, some mascara, and yes – gasp – SHOES! – even when you’re just going to be sitting around the house. It will make you feel happier to greet the day, and kick stress in the pants.

What do you do to reduce stress?