While filling out some routine paperwork for a doctor's appointment I was faced with an unexpected question. On a scale of 1-10, how stressed do you feel? I hesitated for a moment as my finger hovered over the 6... No, that's not quite true now is it? I thought to myself.

What would a level 10 stressed person look or feel like? At this point in my life most of the time I am just trying to keep my head above water. I never stop to think about how scared I am that I will actually drown. But I suppose that reflecting on the amount of stress one feels might be the first step into getting some relief. Much like a addict must admit to being an addicted, I had to face how much stress had creeped into my life.

While I internally debated how far I have fell into the sink hole of despair my finger bounced from 10 to 6 and my mind jumped to how I can immediately get rid of it. So I thought I would sit down and write a list of at least five ways I can relieve stress. So here it is.

1. Make a List

With everything that is being thrown at us through our phones, the news, the appointments, e-mails, text messages, voice mails (does anyone really listen to voicemails anymore?) it's no wonder a few balls can be dropped while juggling work and home life. Missing things like appointments or forgetting to buy your friend a wedding shower gift can start to weigh on you.

I started to accept that I would always be behind in things. People even remarked that disorganization was just part of my charm, but that didn't sit right with me and it didn't relieve my guilt when I forgot to send bake sale money for my five year old and he wasn't able to get anything with the rest of his class. I decided to make a daily list of things that have to be done can help me organize my thoughts and lay out a path for my day.

I most certainly don't always compete everything on my list, but it does give me a little satisfaction to draw a line through a particularly nagging task. So the next time you don't know where to begin, try just making a list in no particular order and start crossing off those pesky tasks.

2. Exercise

You can't be worried about the small stuff while you are struggling to breath! Even though I am not in the best physical shape, I find that I can't stress about a work task while I am sweating my butt off. Because where I live half the year is covered in snow and ice, I invested in a treadmill and when I start to feel particularly overwhelmed going for a walk or short jog seems to put my struggles into perspective.

I'm sure there are tons of fitness gurus out there that could list of the benefits of walking for thirty minutes or doing a ten minutes weight lifting routine, but I'm not one of them. The reason that exercise is on y list is because it truly does clear my mind and give me a small boost of accomplishment.

3. Listen to Music

Back in college I would listen to a lot of angry fast music. I'd start my mornings with nine inch nails and singing along to foo fighters in the shower. And at the time I felt like it would energize me. But as I approach the big four oh hurtle in my life, I have decided that the type of music I listen to affects my mood profoundly. Now I prefer to listen to uplifting and calm music.

Music has a way of creeping into our emotions and allows us to slow down and listen to not just the rhythm and lyrics but our own needs as well. Sometimes while I'm working I put on some calm music to help keep me focused on the task at hand. Or after struggling to get my three kids dressed and all strapped into their boosters and car seats before 7am, I'll play the rocky theme song eye of the tiger on the way to drop off. If I ever get to do errands alone I'll blast my 90 rap songs alone in my car and instantly feel better.

Music can really help me break through the metal downward spiral that can stop my in my tracks when it comes to completing my tasks and staying organized.

4. Play with your Dog

It doesn't have be a dog. You could play with your cat or your hampster, but in my opinion the dog is the best to play with because they are just so darn happy to play and they will do anything to make you happy. You might be asking why when this person has three kids did she not list play with your kids. Well that would be because playing with three kids only seems to add stress.

The dog will run and jump with joy. It will come when you call it and go get the tennis ball. Kids on the other hand might initially have a little fun, but as a parent you are the one in charge and will have to settle squabbles or place your child in time out for biting his brother. So to relieve stress I do not recommend playing with your children.

When I want to clear my head, and feel a little joy I will play fetch with my golden retriever. Or take her for a short walk down to the beach or around the local scenic bike path. Dogs have that unconditional love and I find that just sitting with my furry friend and petting her will help reduce my stress.

5. Take a Nap

And finally, I find that a lot of my frustration is because I am tired all the time. I have trouble concentrating on completing anything while I just want to lay my head down and take a snooze. My little children and my job give me constant anxiety. It might sound a little depressing but sometimes the only way to escape the stress of life is to be unconscious.

It doesn't help that I am a natural night owl and it takes a wind down routine and some kind of medication to actually help me get to sleep before midnight. but for some reason right around three in the afternoon I could nearly fall asleep instantly. My wonderful husband will sometimes recognize how tired I am and lock our bedroom door so I can take siesta without the kids bursting in. After I get a nap in, even if It's only thirty minutes I feel revitalized and can think clearer.

I think this is a relatively short list. But now that I have them written out I'll have to find a way to try fit this stuff in more. If you have any other suggestions send me a message and let me know what your top five ways to relieve stress are. I could use some advice if I have plan on getting under a five on that scale of 1 to 10.