Whether you’re an ad executive who’s busy negotiating and closing deals all day, or a paralegal helping your firm prepare for a huge case, your professional responsibilities can be overwhelming and stressful. Learning how to manage stress and channel it through positive means is vital, not just for a successful career, but for your happiness and well-being too. If you don’t take time to unwind, constant stress can lead to a number of physical and psychological problems, like poor concentration, depression, back pain, and weight gain. It also weakens your immune system and increases your risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

That’s why Excelle came up with these twenty-two different ways to de-stress without breaking the bank. So hit pause, relax, and indulge in some much needed (and affordable!) R&R.

1. Do Something You Did All the Time as a Kid
Do you ever long for those days when your biggest concerns were nap time, recess, and Saturday morning cartoons? You’d build pillow forts at slumber parties, climb the biggest tree in your neighborhood, and catch fireflies at night. It’s amazing how much less complicated life was back in the day. Just because you’re all grown up now doesn’t mean you can’t still partake in the simple joys of childhood. Turn off your Blackberry, disconnect from the internet, and act like a kid whenever you can. Revel in the refreshing nostalgia, and feel the positive associations and memories melt away your stress. 

If you have kids of your own, have them participate in these activities with you. Ride a bike to the park. Start a pick-up kickball game with your family or friends. Make a snowman in the wintertime. The possibilities (and your imagination) are endless. Cost: Free.

2. Volunteer Your Time or Expertise 
One of the best feelings in the world is giving back to others. As a professional, you have tons of knowledge and experience, so why not share your skills with someone else? Volunteering can be something small—like reading a story to young cancer patients one day a month—or something bigger—like providing a drowning company with free legal or financial advice, or whatever it may need to get back on its feet. No matter what you do, you can be content to know that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Not only is volunteering incredibly fulfilling, it’s also