Get Out of Your Head

A steady mind-body practice like meditation, yoga, and tai chi can bring balance to your life. Responsible for slowing your heart rate and relaxing certain muscles, such activities can offset the effects of your body's overly activated stress response (including increases in blood pressure and breathing rate) if practiced regularly. What's more, mind-body work can clear your head immeasurably. The trick, of course, is making the time. If you can't squeeze a regular tai chi or yoga class into your schedule, start by meditating for five minutes a day or as you're lying in bed at night.