Freeky Friday: Damsel in Distress

<center><a href=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Freekware/128889363837099" target="_blank"><img alt="Freeky Friday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaq7asyZrZmjOXZoCbekE3PK0cbJacPHTaPN7H5WUCCovaAZpkwLZqDun2Om3PDS9k4ETcNEsJE-QGaLtOojNS2Vav9T-iKvlAL77cAwgjJPqZQ8RetN9rJEChzj4pZa0kz5P6j0t6EU/"/></a></center>

Welcome back to another Freeky Friday! This week's topic:

What's your secret weapon for stress relief?

I'm on my feet all day; it's just the nature of my career. Stress and sitting still do not go well together for me. (Yep, I was a blast in grad school.) When I'm stressed, I need to move.  After all, exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy!

{Source}

Dancing, a pastime I've enjoyed for decades now, is my favorite form of exercise. Not only does it challenge the cardiovascular system by building endurance, it strengthens the musculoskeletal system. It also challenges the neurological system by sending new input to improve balance and coordination. Additionally, it allows for artistic expression, and it promotes a wonderful feeling of inner peace. It truly is a workout for mind, body, and soul...which may be why I tend to burst into a musical number regardless of where I am.

I believe I was at a dinner party.

In addition to dancing, I really enjoy any exercise that can take place outdoors, especially if water is involved. There's something really humbling about being immersed in something so big. No matter what you're going through, nature can always remind you that there's something bigger out there.

I hate to admit it, but I have another secret weapon for stress relief...and I like it even more than I like exercise, dancing, or the great outdoors. I like to make to do lists. Why? So that I can cross things off.

{Source}

Seriously though, to do lists can be fun! Yes, they can even be fun for people who aren't neurotic Type A personalities like myself. For example, check out these lovely designs:

{Source / via Pinterest}

{Source / via Pinterest}

And how's this for functional inspiration?

{Source / via Pinterest}

{Source / via Pinterest}

Sometimes, a to do list can be less of a to do list and more of a goal list. There's something beautifully whimsical about this concept, and I like that it gives me something to look forward to.

{Source / via Pinterest}

Most of all, I've learned that it's important to cut yourself some slack with sticking to the to do list. Sometimes doing nothing accomplishes even more.

{Source / via Pinterest}

Are you getting freeky this Friday? Tell us your secret stress-busting weapon! You can participate in three different ways:

• Write a blog post using the badge html above, then comment on my post with a link to your post
• Tweet your answer using the tag #FreekyFriday
• "Like" the Freekware Facebook page, then comment on there with your answer.

This is the last Friday in June, so it's your last chance to enter to win some Brownie-covered Oreos as well as a contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in your name. Remember, if you blog, tweet, and comment on Facebook, you'll be entered three times!

Winners for June's Freeky Friday will be announced Monday, June 27th at 10:00 AM, Eastern time.


Next Friday (July 1st) starts a whole new freekin' month! Your topic:

What's your favorite Fourth of July memory?
(For our international Freeks, we still want to hear about your favorite summer memories!)

A new month means a new giveaway! Every time you post, tweet or comment in the month of July, you'll be entered to win some Peanut Butter S'mores Bites and a contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in your name. There are five Fridays in July, so if you blog, tweet, and comment every week, you'll be entered fifteen times!

Hop to it, Freek Nation! See you next week!