10 Spring Stress Beaters

Happy Vernal Equinox! March 20th is the day we officially welcome spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Because 2012 is a leap year, the season of renewal starts a full 24 hours earlier than usual. This is the time when birds and butterflies are migrating northward, the days are growing longer and warmer, the trees are budding, the crocuses are in bloom, and our spirits somehow feel lighter.

Here, to help you celebrate, we offer 10 timely tips for embracing a less stressful lifestyle.

Soak Up Some Sun You already know that protection from UV rays with sunscreen, broad brimmed hats, and sunglasses will help you avoid skin cancer. But don't forget that sunshine in moderate doses is good for you because it helps your body make essential vitamin D. Aim for at least two hours about three times a week. Beyond that, sunny days really do cheer us up and make stress easier to handle!

Take a Cold Shower At the end of your regular shower, turn off the hot water and stand under the stream of cold water for a few seconds to rev up your system. You'll feel invigorated and ready to take on whatever the day may bring. Incidentally, samurai warriors poured cold river water on their heads every morning in a spiritual purification ritual called Misogi. They seem to have had the right idea!

Mellow Out to Music In 1697, the poet William Congreve wrote: "Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast." The line is often misquoted as "savage beast" but either way, you get the idea! Rhythms and rhapsodies can be powerful stress relievers, so fire up your iPod and let the strains of your favorite composers and performers ease your anxieties.

Dance Your Troubles Away Take a tip from the uplifting lyrics of a George and Ira Gershwin classic: "My bonds and shares/ May falI downstairs/Who cares, who cares? /I'm dancing and I can't be bothered now!" Try social dancing with the man in your life, or a Zumba class, or simply let off some steam all by yourself in the living room with improvised moves while the stereo is blasting a lively tune.

Enjoy Fresh Fruits and Veggies A healthy diet with plenty of protein, fewer carbohydrates, and lots of vitamins -- especially Vitamin C -- is a guaranteed stress buster. Why not pick up some fresh spring produce and make yourself a feel-good salad?

Go for a Walk What better time than now to start a regular routine of walking your way to improved mental and physical well-being? Shed your winter coat, tie on your sneakers, and get out into the fresh air for at least 30 minutes three times a week. If you're prone to pollen allergies, though, skip the morning constitutional when counts are highest and stroll in the afternoon or evening instead.

Try Your Hand at Tennis Are there tennis courts near where you live? If so, why not sign up for lessons, maybe with your man or your BFF? An active lifestyle is a mood booster because you'll be releasing lots of endorphins, the so-called "happy hormones."

Dig in the Garden There's something undeniably therapeutic about gardening. Bonus: It counts as moderate exercise, too. Order your Burpee catalogue or visit Burpee.com and then start your own bumper crop of flowers and vegetables.

Brighten Your Home With Flowers In the Northwest, the brave first blooms of the Forsythia are already out and the crocuses are coming up as well. Daffodils are next and then tulips. Wherever you are, your native flowers have a schedule, so keep vases full of fresh blooms in every room. The sight and scent of them will ease tensions and make you feel better.

Spend Time With the Grandchildren Get outdoors with the kids whenever you can! Play ball, share a treat or two, swing in the park, ride bikes, and just generally aim to feel like a kid again yourself.