Taking a meditative walk to feel the calm of the autumn hues. Look at all the colors. Watching the beauty of the earth. Colors can help to center you in many ways, keeping you focused on a calm beautiful scene.

Get up and move!

During this time of year we begin to slow down because the weather is not as nice. This is a good time for a new activity goal.

Movement is the best way to attend to the stress in your life.

When you feel the least like exercising, that is exactly when you need it the most. When you come home from work completely exhausted, especially after a busy week, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind, but it should be the at the top of your list.

There is much evidence on how much exercise can help with stress, especially people prone to emotional upset and anxiety.

There are so many benefits from exercising:

1. Helps with maintaining weight

2. Helps keep your bones strong

3. Lowers your cholesterol and blood pressure

4. Increases your metabolism

Regular exercise is also one way to balance yourself emotionally. It helps to balance hormones and neurotransmitters. The endorphins that are produced by exercise- even just walking for a few minutes, can provide a good counter to any stressful day.

These emotional benefits of physical exercise (active) with the mindfulness exercise (passive) such as yoga, can really help you in mind, body and soul.

Take one step today toward a mindful walk where you get in touch with your breathing and bring about some calm to your daily stress.

Choosing the Activities

Choose fitness activities that you enjoy, and then you will do them often. You will be amazed at what just a little bit of exercise can do for your muscle tone, blood pressure and mood.

Taken in part from: Rouse, J ( 2003) Health Solutions for Stress Relief. Rodale Publishers. at: www.rodale.com