10 Ways to De-stress for 10 Dollars or Less

September is a stressful time of year for quite a few people.  If you are a child or a teen, the excitement or nervousness for the start of school year can cause stress.  If you are a parent, the added pressure in the schedule of your child starting the school year and all the activities and events that go along with that can surely add to the weight on your shoulders.

I personally have had a stressful week.  I started my homeschool year for my three kids (pre-k, 1st grade, and 2nd grade), AND I have had to face the reality of jury duty the same week.  Although, God has been truly gracious, and I've been put on "phone hold" every night I call in so far.  There are a few more stresses I can add, but, for your sake, I will refrain! 

Recently, my kind mother-in-law gave me a coloring book with the hopes that I would sit quietly (a rarity) and be able to color my stresses away.  This seems to be very popular, and for good reason!  It really does help me relax.  Of course, I love to paint and draw to relax as well.  It's like all the cares of the world just slip away when I allow myself to be creative in that way.  

That gift of the coloring book and my stressful week have inspired me to create a list of frugal de-stressers that we all could use a little more of!

10 Ways to De-stress for Around 10 Dollars or Less!
(For your convenience, these ways to distress each contain an affiliate link!)

1. Color your stress away in an Adult Coloring Book.

2. Stay calm and drink caffeine free tea.  My favorite is Rooibos tea because it has so many health benefits.  It has a rich flavor, but no caffeine!

3. Take an epson salt bath.  Relax your muscles with the salt and use one with Lavender to relax your senses.

4. Take a chill pill.  I know this sounds weird, but I've discovered taking 5HTP, a plant-derived pill can help with my stress levels.  It also helps me sleep! (Of course, you should ask your doctor before taking this, and read the about the product!)

5. Light some candles, preferably lavender scent!  Lavender is known to relax!

6. Get outside.  (Don't forget sunscreen!) Wether you sit and read a good book, or just sit, getting outside and taking in fresh air can help reduce stress levels.

7. Do sweat it!  Endorphins can make you feel happy and energized.  This can make you prepared to handle stress with a more positive outlook.  I have found that punching helps me destress, which is why I like the Tae Bo Workout DVDs.  Billy Blanks is somehow so very calming, reassuring and encouraging. I feel very de-stressed after his workouts!

8. Write down your thoughts.  If you have a nice journal, you may be more likely to write in it! Sometimes we just have to let all our stresses out.  Writing them out can help those stresses work themselves out in our mind.

9. Take up yoga.  I'm not talking about the meditation part of it, but the stretches and the breathing do relax you!  When I encounter yoga workouts with meditation, I pray instead.  I don't try to empty my mind of things.  I fill it with prayer and scripture.  What I find most relaxing is using the time to pray, breathe, and stretch.

10. Unplug and read a book instead.  Read to yourself.  Read to your kids. Put down that iPhone.  Shut off that laptop.  Go ahead, turn off the show you are bingeing on Netflix.  We've all seen the studies on how good it is to unplug for a bit!  In our homeschool routine, we read from a book aloud every afternoon.  I find it so relaxing, especially paired with a good cup of tea, a light blanket, and cuddly kids!  Currently, we are reading through the Chronicles of Narnia series.