We all experience times when our anger or stress level is about to get the better of us. What can we do to give these feelings an outlet before we explode? Here are just a couple of fun ideas for letting off steam:

> Wring some chickens’ necks. Not literally – I’m not advocating killing birds to relieve stress! But you could try wringing a washcloth, or maybe even a rubber chicken! The act alone, pretending to wring a neck is sure to get you laughing - and laughter is the greatest anti-stress drug out there.

> Paint a door. When my husband and I took pre-marriage classes one of the leaders told us a story. Whenever he felt his anger getting the better of him, he would head to his basement. There was a door down there that he would paint. Not neatly, mind you. He would splatter and whack paint on with force, giving his hostile feelings an outlet. Apparently after over the years it had become a very interesting and colourful conversation piece!

> Laugh. Laughing, like crying is cathartic. Nothing brings relief to a tired and anxious soul than the chance to really laugh. Watch a movie, get together with old friends or family and remember funny events you’ve shared. It feels wonderful and releases pent up emotions. Have you ever begun laughing and ended up crying? There’s a reason.

We don’t always have to find serious ways to reduce stress. Sometimes finding fun ways is a better and quicker remedy.