Move over, stress. It's joy's time to shine.

August is Wellness Month! That means it's time for all the good things in life to take their moment in the spotlight. But, in order to do that, you need to kick stress out for good.

Here are a few simple things you can do to stave off stress and usher in positivity this month.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude doesn't have to be contained to Thanksgiving! When you practice gratitude, you regularly declare what's going right in your life.

According to Harvard Health, “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” 

When you get frustrated or upset, name a few things that are going well for you. This will help train your brain to look on the bright side in the face of adversity. If you need help, let Jason Mraz encourage you!

exercise

Physical activity increases endorphins and lowers stress inducing hormones, like cortisol.  And that's only the tip of the iceberg. There are a ton of benefits associated with physical activity, but it can be hard to cram it into a busy schedule. Here are a few ways to subtly increase your physical activity throughout the day:

Eat well

I know you've heard it a thousand times: better eating leads to better health. But did you know improving your diet can also result in increased energy levels, better mental health, and even improved memory?

This month, prioritize putting healthy, whole foods in your body. If you’re a snacker, prepare snacks like carrots and hummus, yogurt and granola, or sliced fruits ahead of time.

Chat with a friend

Studies have shown that verbalizing feelings can actually make you feel better. If you’re stressed, take a break to talk about how you’re feeling.