I am nearing the finish line of semester end and am busy writing a term paper and studying for finals. What's strange is how calm I have been. For anyone that knows me this is entirely uncharacteristic and thus I have even pondered, "am I ok?" The truth is that I have never been better and there are three reasons why (actually there are four but that breaks the brilliant holy trinity analogy so let's say it's three plus a bonus). Perhaps these can be helpful to you - hope so!

1) Nightly baths. I grew up surrounded by the Japanese tradition of nightly ofuro and was always told it's the best de-stresser and I am telling you, it really is. The key is to take hot baths and to submerge fully so that the heat of the water literally forces your neck and shoulders to relax. Every night as I immerse myself in the ritual, it feels like I am adding days to my life. I also sleep better and wake up without any neck tension!

2) Exercise. Jonah's suggestion that we buy an elliptical machine was one of his best ideas (and he has a million for me to choose from!). Consistently working out at least 3 days a week has worked wonders for my mental health.

3) Acupuncture. Call it what you will but it works. I found an incredible practitioner who, just by her nurturing personality does double duty as a therapist. After every weekly session I walk out of her office feeling truly grounded and calm.

Bonus: Switching from coffee to green tea! I was in love with coffee but I've since found a better paramour. Aside from all the well-documented health benefits of green tea, it is delicious and gives me the kick I need to start my day without the edge of coffee. I used to feel anxious while riding the subway but since the switch I almost feel physiologically unable to be anxious anymore! Warning: Most green tea sold here is no good. The green tea I devour every morning is sencha sent from my family in Japan. In terms of flavor and probably greater health benefits, try getting your hands on sencha or macha from Japan. You know you have a good green tea when the color is in fact very green!