For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.

One sunny Saturday afternoon, I'm sitting outside with my husband, and I say, "Our neighborhood is so boring!" I said this because

nobody else was sitting outside, walking by, playing outside, doing yard work, or riding their bikes. It was like a deserted ghost town. I recently read that the average person spends 93 percent of their lives outdoors. It would appear people would much rather spend their days in a square box with artificial lighting than outdoors in nature, listening to the birds.

Being someone who suffers from depression, when it is nice enough, I'm outdoors as much as possible. It's good for the soul. We are new empty nesters, and I have to say, I enjoy it. I might have even smiled a little when I saw my backyard neighbor clearly scolding her child. Gone are those days for us. But still, I need to find ways to destress and not take on all the woes, negativity, and ugliness of this world. I need to diligently seek out the positives. One of the ways that I can do that is to make my priorities a continuous top priority. Here are the ways that I do that:

1. I no longer let the dogs out of their room. My husband does it. I love my dogs like the next person, but since I'm not a morning person, their hyperactivity and bit of annoyingness is too much 1st thing in the morning. Don't worry, they are let out 20 minutes later, and we get up early.

2. In the morning, I read my bible while drinking my tea, with headphones on listening to pleasant instrumental music. Since I started Theology school 8 years ago (I graduated with a master's), I have been reading the same thing. I read 2 chapters from the New Testament, 1 Psalm, 1 Proverb, and 3-4 from the Old Testament. You don't have to read as much as I do, but picking up something as positive as the Bible and spending time with God 1st thing in the morning is a great start to the day. You even journal your thoughts if you'd rather.

3. Keep a book of remembrance and a book of thanks. The book of remembrance is to write down things that have beebeen a blessing for you, something that you cherished, something God has done for you. The book of thanks is a book of things you're thankful for the day, and try to write new things.

4. Exercise for at least an hour a day. I am a runner, but I got a stress fracture 3 weeks ago, so I've been cycling again. I ride on a scenic bike route, and love the sites, the beauty of nature, and the thrill. But, I miss running. I also lift weights at home 4 times a week. I have 2 dogs, so once I'm healed up, I'll take them again on their walks. My husband has been doing this after work.

5. Turn the news (garbage TV) off and find a good book to read outside.

6. Send people hand written notes just because or to thank them for something kind they did instead of sending them a text. When was the last time you got a handwritten note? You'll put a smile on their face, I promise.

7. When I'm at my best, I enjoy making dinner. I enjoy coming up with new recipes. Lately, since becoming an empty nester, I've been cooking for 6 when it's only the 2 of us, not sure what that is about.

8. Don't keep your cell phone near you at all times. You don't need it, especially when you're at dinner with others. Next time you're at a restaurant, look at how many people are on their phones instead of being fully present with others. It's rude. Put it away.

9. Keep a to-do list or a daily planner so you don't forget things. I even go as far as keeping a helpful life tips. I have in their things like when it's the best day to go to DEQ, when my daughter was engaged, the last time we bought our sheets, etc.

10. Laugh. Laughter is joy. Laugh as much as you possibly can. Laughter is the best medicine. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

11. De-stress: Breathe in, then out and say, "God, I give everyone and everything to you."