Stressless in Houston

Houston recently made the news as the most stressed city in Texas thanks to a research project by WalletHub, which also placed us in the 21st spot as most stressed in the country. Factors that were assessed include traffic, commute times, and fail stressor such as median marriage length and child care costs. While there are some points - our always expanding city puts constant stress on highway traffic and commute times - I feel the title of “Most Stressed” doesn't apply. Houston is an extremely diverse city with a wide range of ways to relax. There are festivals abound in the city and the suburbs on most weekends year-round. When it is too hot to be outdoors, there are a vast array of museums with art, artifacts, science  or history to explore, or make your own art at any of the art class or craft classes available through the many storefronts popping up around town - they can help even the art challenged make masterpieces. Raise your endorphins at a gym - there are HITT and Kickboxing gyms all over or zen-out with yoga or Tai Chi, both available Discovery Green. Chill out at Typhoon Texas, one of Galveston beaches or a nearby lake - there's nothing like getting back to nature. Get some retail therapy and support small business in Old Town Spring, the Tomball antique shops, Traders Village, or at the shops in the Heights. Enjoy the nightlife at any concert venue, bar or pub, or try to beat an escape room. Need some cuddles? Volunteer at a local animal shelter to give and get. Obviously, Houston has a lot to offer, but if you still feel stressed, look for moments in your day: the sunrise on your commute (or sunset!), a favorite lunch stop, or that person that did let you merge. Take a moment to breath in your day (maybe during that commute) and roll your shoulders and neck to release tension. Or try one of the old remedies to shake up your day - being stuck in a rut can make stressors seem worse. A large part of stress is perception, so live today better than yesterday, and don't take on the title of most stressed.