be anxious for nothing

One can lay out big bucks for professional therapy. (I'm not saying that the author of this here blog is necessarily in need of such therapy, nor that any reader of aforesaid blog might be, either-) Nonetheless, for no charge, I would like to alert the world to readily accessible, effective, potent, and fun activities that anyone can apprehend to benefit one's mental health.

1. Take long walk. No explanation needed for this one.

2. Bake bread. Today's recipe features molasses, oats, wheat germ, and whole wheat flour. When the loaves are still warm, hack off a chunk and smear it with peanut butter. Consume with abandon.

3. Write a letter to a friend. Nix the phone call. That annoying call-waiting beep, which erases any calming effect, is inevitable on her end or yours. Anyway, the act of composing a letter, sealing the envelope, affixing a stamp, and slipping it into a mailbox is part of the medicine. Tuck the hope of getting a response deep into your psyche.

4. Pet an animal. Horses are particularly grateful if you accompany this gesture with a fistful of clover.

5. Share a scripture with someone. It strengthens both their faith and yours. And whose faith couldn't stand a little strengthening?

6. Be a cheerleader. I like to think of a cheerleader as someone who leads another into cheer. Don't settle for empty words of flattery, but words into which you have put some serious elbow-grease. The receiver will be grateful for the boost and you will be further along in the Art of Edification.

Please share your tips to maintaining a mind free from stress, worry, and fear. I would also like to recommend indulging in a double-dip waffle cone filled with Espresso Therapy ice cream ( found at your local Stewarts Shop). Be sure to follow that up with suggestion #1 (found at the top of this list).