Do you ever think about your stress and how it's affecting your body and your life? I've been more aware of my stress levels lately, and over the past several months I've been working on reducing them. To minimize my stress I've gotten more help managing the business side of the studio, I've been making an effort to sleep more, I've been getting acupuncture treatments focused on relaxation, and of course I've been practicing yoga and meditation.

It's incredible how we're so accustomed to being stressed that we don't even realize that we're stressed. And that may seem like a good thing, but it's not.

Stress has real and damaging effects on our bodies, including production of stress hormones that can lead to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression, and gastrointestinal problems.

If you'd like to start reducing your stress levels so you can be healthier and happier, there are lots of easy things you can do. You can practice yoga, either at the studio or on your own at home. You can check out our free online videos for inspiration for your home practice. You can go for a walk, have a massage, or enjoy a slow lunch with a friend.

You might also consider some of our specialized stress-management workshops. This Saturday Ellen is offering Destress Deeply, which is a two hour workshop designed to help you get a jump start on reducing the stress in your life and the effects of stress on your body.

As for me, I'm taking a few days of vacation to enjoy my family and a little down time. I'm going to recharge my batteries and look forward to a fresh start next week.

I'd love to know what you're doing to manage your stress. Maybe you can give me some pointers! If you have a minute, please post your best stress-busting tips in the Comments below.

XO, Zelinda