Stress makes one fatter! Cortisol has been termed the "stress hormone" because excess cortisol is secreted during times of physical or psychological stress, and the normal pattern of cortisol secretion (with levels highest in the early morning and lowest at night) can be altered. This disruption of cortisol secretion may not only promote weight gain, but it can also affect where you put on the weight. Some studies have shown that stress and elevated cortisol tend to cause fat deposition in the abdominal area rather than in the hips.
One of the tips I have is to each day have a moment in time when you say, "This is the best moment of my day!" Take time to reflect on what made you smile or made you feel transported in time for that moment - even if only for a few wonderful, stolen moments out of a busy life". Even if it is a moment taken to look up into the sky and reflect on its beauty! Take tips from my little doggie, Happy, who has since passed away but lived to the ripe old age of 14. He knew how to relax. That photo was taken on the deck of our last Canadian home, Chalet Rose, about 7 years ago.
There are many other ways to relax and I'm sure most of you have figured out what works for you. This is something I love to do - figure out the best moment of each day and revel in it!