​What are the pros and cons of working out at home or working in the gym?  Working out at home does not cost much, with a yoga mat, some dumbbells, rope, exercise bike you are in business. I myself walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes every other day and lost 60 lbs. in two months. Meditation is good for the soul and helps clear your chakras. Mainly it enhances your self-awareness, nourishes the mind, promotes emotional health, and increases your attention span. Meditation can also be used to control anxiety during stressful times. Some evidence shows it can be used to help with addiction. Meditation allows you an opportunity to be still for a moment and think about what you are going through.  A few suggestions on how to meditate. First, you are going to need a good mat with enough cushion to protect your knees when in a kneeling position. Sit quietly in a place where you are comfortable. Close your eyes, and breathe evenly, clear your thoughts of any outside stimulation. Do this each day for about 30 minutes. While we are in the process of learning our new normal, adding the benefit of mental exercise will aid in all aspects of life. This gym in a bag has what you need conveniently together. Gyms not being accessible is not an excuse to neglect your physical health. Try it what do you have to lose, it is not like a membership, you can use the equipment anytime day or night, no babysitter required.

    ​Mental stress associated with work and daily living situations can be greatly reduced, by merely setting aside one minute for yourself to each hour spent giving to other. Treat yourself to a professional message, your mind has time to calm itself, while the body is being pampered. Avoiding individuals who drain you of your positive energy, these emotional vampires as they are referred to, will absorb good energy and replace it with anxiety and depression. 
     Allow a few minutes to pay attention to your breathing, this gives you the extra energy to accomplish your tasks, while limiting your mental stress levels. Meditation rejuvenates psychologically and brighten the overall spirit, creating a clear path to achieving goals.
     These are routine ways of ensuring mental stress is held at bay, providing coping skills to add to your emotional toolbox.  Alone these remedies are powerful, combined an elixir for surviving life's challenges is guaranteed.