Meditationists say it. Frankie says it. I say it. Relax!

If you think this has nothing to do with losing weight or being healthy, think again. When you get upset or stressed out, hormones in your body kick in and start stashing calories as fat. Stress gives the signal to your body that something is wrong. Your body responds by storing more fuel — best to keep some around in case of emergency.

Stress also can lead to sleeplessness, which causes a stall in your ability to lose weight loss. Recent findings indicate that if you’re not losing weight despite doing everything you should, look to your stress levels and to your quality of sleep. If you are upset a lot of the time, and/or you don’t get enough sleep, you may have found the problem.

Getting enough sleep is an important topic we will discuss later. Let’s consider relaxation now. Find a quiet spot in your home, away from distractions. Get into a comfortable position on a chair, a cushion, the floor, or whatever works for you. Sit up straight. Put your hands on your knees or at your sides. Close your eyes partway or all the way. Some meditators say it is better to keep them partway open, or you might doze off. I say if you do fall asleep, you probably need it, so let yourself go.

Picture in your mind's eye your favorite color. Fill your entire field of vision with it. Now pick a mantra; any word or sound you like. "OM" is probably the world's most famous mantra, but choose one that works for you. Repeat the word in your mind, while looking at the color. Now breathe slowly and regularly, while thinking of the color and the sound. It's not difficult. Color, sound, breath. All together. Do this for at least five minutes, up to fifteen minutes, or more if you like. Don't overdo it, though, or it may lose its "specialness". Do this every day, and you will soon be able to relax almost at will.

If you are dealing with a specific problem or stressful situation, use this technique to help cope: when you breathe out, picture the bad feelings leaving your body, and when you breathe in, picture only good feelings entering.

Do a mini-meditation whenever you get stressed out (although if you are driving or operating machinery, omit the visual aspect. You need to see what you’re doing!) . People who can deal effectively with stress live longer, healthier, happier lives. It's a good skill to know!