9 Ways to Reduce Stress and Live Happy

Here are 9 things to do that will reduce stress in your life:

Carry your luggage on the plane. Make it all fit so you have nothing to carry but a water and magazine/laptop. Fold up that shirt of yours, stuff it in your carry-on and spend 15 minutes at your destination to iron it. Don't take more than you need - ask yourself why you're really traveling, and heed my advice unless the your reason for travel includes one of the following: 1) a model shoot 2) hunting for a spouse 3) moving

Don't be afraid to avoid Facebook. Many people don't see how Facebook is productive. I've read about many people stressing about how to configure Facebook so that they don't have to worry about certain people seeing things you don't want them to see. I guess my point is avoid social networking if you don't need it in your life. If and when you do, think carefully about it and spend the time researching how to configure your account so you're comfortable.

Put your money in P&G. I recently read something that said even during a recession, people still buy razor blades and potato chips - very true! And whatever money you have in a savings account that's not earning any interest, put it in an FNBO Direct online savings account, where it will earn you 3.5% interest.

Head on down to Miami. Check out www.US.LastMinute.com for the best last-minute travel deals that, well, pop up at the last minute. I suggest flying to Miami Beach and renting a scooter. I would start in Reeves Park, in downtown Miami. Cruise through the streets, waving to people, until you get to 15th Street, or the Venetian Way. Travel across Biscayne Bay (check out the multi-million dollar homes) until you get to South Beach and go south along the side streets just west of Alton Road. Continue south, stopping at Flamingo Park to avert the park police while you scoot through the walking-only paths. When you reach the south tip of Miami Beach, take a break to eat at a Cuban cafe, or visit a beach side club if it's nighttime. Then, head west along the MacArthur Causeway, stopping to check out Star Island and Palm Island to relive your favorite moments from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Break ice. If you live in Minnesota, you can do this every Spring. Just walk along a frozen puddle of water in the street that has started melting just enough so that there is a delicate layer of thin ice that cracks and crunches when you step on it. I'm pretty sure that leading smart people from really good universities all around the world agree that it is fun, and have research studies to back it up. Wear big fat boots, too.

Be happy with what you've got. If your 2-year-old Samsung calls people, texts, gets mobile web, wakes you up in the morning on time, takes voice notes, plays music, calculates gas mileage and takes pictures, why the heck do you need to upgrade to an iPhone or Blackberry Bold?

Bust a groove. I know it sounds like it's a lot of effort, and it takes energy and movement, and you usually have to be somewhere where there is loud music, but if you move it, peace will come. Dancing is one way to exercise, which physiologically reduces stress. That's proven. Plus, it makes you smile, which has also been proven to reduce stress.

Tell a beautiful stranger that they're beautiful. This probably works best when you won't see them again. And, certainly don't follow up by asking for their number. When you take a risk and compliment somebody genuinely, and for no other reason than to be nice to them, 9 times out of 10 they will really appreciate it (hint: say it and then turn around and walk away.) Here's the real important part. The magic of this is how it makes you feel. You'll walk away having expressed something that you would usually keep to yourself, and it's always healthy when you express your feelings.

Lie, Cheat and Steal. Do one of the following three things. 1) Lie: The next time you meeting somebody you'll never see again, like at a conference or something, make up a story. Don't do anything harmful, but I've known people that have done this and they have stories for the rest of their lives to tell friends because of it. Stories about when you made stuff up and get a great reaction from people last forever. For example, tell a comedian at a comedy club you're a reporter doing a story for the paper back home and then interview them. Heck, maybe you'll even be able to pitch the story to a real reporter! 2) Cheat: Be careful here, but if you can bend the rules and it makes you feel better without hurting anybody else, do it! Like shaving off a stroke or two on the golf course, if you can live with the guilt, that is! 3) Steal: The next time you're in a doctor's office and you are reading a captivating article in a magazine, but didn't have time to finish it, take it with you. Just return the favor next time by bringing another magazine from home and leaving it there...for the next person to enjoy. Feel the rush as you leave the building and speed away with your hot copy of Kiplinger's Personal Finance or Lady's Home Journal.