What Britney Spears Learned in Rehab.

She's feeling better now!

Manage Your Stress:
Ten Ways to Ease Stress right now!

Britney Spears has a whole new bag of skills under her belt now… I bet that rehab taught her a lot about dealing with real life. Not that she lives anything close to a real life mind you. How silly would that be? A pop star living in the real world.. Nah. Wouldn’t happen. Anyway… I really do read every email and some of you know that I am not afraid to pick up the phone and call you either.

So many of you have written to me about a friend or loved one (yes someone loves K-Fed too believe it or not) who just can’t seem to relax. “What can I do?” you ask. Well, your wish is my command.

Drum-roll please…

From the home office in Las Vegas, NV here is my “TOP TEN” list! (I feel like David Lettermen)

1. Eat and drink sensibly. Alcohol and food abuse may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it. That’s the bottom line.

2 Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others’ expectations or demands. Unless of course, the court is trying to give your parental rights to K-Fed. Then, fight like hell. It’s okay to say “No.” Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs while respecting those of others.

3 Stop smoking or other bad habits. Like driving down the highway with your baby in your lap while being follow by the paparazzi …Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and brings on more stress symptoms. Give yourself the gift of dropping unhealthy habits.

4 Exercise regularly. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude). Besides that… you wouldn’t want to be FAT in your next music video.

5 Study and practice relaxation techniques. Relax every day. Choose from a variety of different techniques. Combine opposites; a time for deep relaxation and a time for aerobic exercise is a sure way to protect your body from the effects of stress. My Deep Relaxation CD will help guide you into a deep relaxing state of peace and calm anytime you desire. Try it!

6 Take responsibility. Control what you can and leave behind what you cannot control at Rehab. That’s what the hollywood celebrities do. This is the most difficult one for most people. Just let it go.

7 Reduce stressors (cause of stress). Many people find that life is filled with too many demands and too little time. So tell K-fed, it’s time to hit the road so you can kick your publicist into “damage control mode” just in time for your next tour. For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen. Effective time-management skills involve asking for help when appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself, and taking time out for yourself.

8 Examine your values and live by them. The more your actions reflect your beliefs, the better you will feel, no matter how busy your life is. Use your values when choosing your activities. Like getting married for about 30 minutes in a Vegas drive-through wedding chapel at midnight.

9 Set realistic goals and expectations. Thinking your midnight marriage to K-Fed will last forever is not a great example of realistic goal setting. It’s okay, and healthy, to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything at once. Be yourself. Be true to yourself and live.

10 Laughter. When you are feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself not to take life so seriously. Have a healthy sense of humor and learn to laugh at what is stressing you out. Go see a funny movie, visit a comedy club and laugh, laugh, laugh… like nobody cares. Guess what… they don’t.

There are several other methods you can use to relax or reduce stress, including:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Mental imagery relaxation
• Relaxation to music
• Biofeedback
• Counseling, to help you recognize and release stress

Tell me what works for you? Have you discovered a special technique that really takes the stress away? (That’s legal and moral.. mind you. It’s a family show here..)

Please post a comment below and let us hear what works for you.