Here are some pearls of wisdom from real women who have found inventive ways of keeping stress in check, and lead healthier, happier, more balanced lives.

Lissa Verkerk, Ontario

Ater a hard day at the office, I go golfing. I can put names on the ball and let them have it ! Great stress relief ! And, I do have a magic bag that I use aterwards for my elbow and my neck.

Stephanie Fetter, British Columbia

I unwind by taking a nap, no matter what time of day it is. If it's not too cold outside, I have the window open all the way. I feel amazing when I wake up.

Shirine Eltaher, Ontario

I find baking so relaxing. None of my roommates bake, so it gives me a chance to have the kitchen to myself. I slowly do all the measurements and mixing, so they come out just right and then I sit and watch them bake as I'm sipping on a coffee. A few days ago, I hurt my neck so I've been doing all my Christmas baking with a Magic Bag around my neck, now that's double relaxation !

Brad Woods, Prince Edward Island

Jump on a plane and spend one or two weeks on a small carribean island, take in some scuba divind and sip on a few cuba libre's.

Jennifer Draxel, Ontario

Walking along the beach barefoot. Having an aromatic shiatsu massage. Sitting on the beach in a loungechair sipping a margarita. Swimming, then going for a lovely dinner with friends and family.

Ester Sekeris, Ontario

To unwind I like to pick a destination I would love to travel to and plan out the whole trip using the internet and/or guides from the library. It doesn't even matter if I actually take the trip, the planning takes me away for a while !

Gerrie Heard, Ontario

I get together with my two best friends for a day of bonding, lunch, shopping and fun ! No worries just relaxing away from the everyday drudge.

Claudette Richard, New Brunswick

After a stress day... I wait till my 13 years old son goes to sleep. With a little night light on I watch him sleep peacefully and I think of him being a baby and all the wonderful memories of happiness and love he brought in my life.

Kreutzwieser Patricia, Saskatchewan

I find sitting at my piano and composing on the fly very relaxing. The rest of the world can just be tumbling down around me when it is just me and my old upright piano.

Patricia Pulinckx, Quebec

Weather permitting, I start my motorcycle, and ride the back roads, with the wind in my face and totally disconnected from anything but the skill required to keep my machine on the road.