The Stress Mess

READY8 “If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.” ~ George F. Burns

AIM8 Long hours and difficult employees, financial and family issues that come with the holidays, children with their school requirements and endless social activities…Calgon, take me away! Stress is the result of the tremendous pressure we put on ourselves to be everything to everybody, do everything they expect, while keeping it all together at home. It’s enough to send anyone off the deep end at any given time. Here are a few ideas to help you keep your stress level in check.

1.) First of all, breathe. Right now, as you are reading this message, take a deep breath in, pause, and release it out. Ahhh…just ten simple seconds of tranquility will help your body take a much needed break.

2.) Second, escape the madness and give yourself five to ten minutes to refocus your efforts and redirect your plan of attack. You’ve probably heard that eating an elephant yard by yard is hard. However, inch by inch, eating an elephant is a cinch! Break down your stressful triggers into bite-size portions so they are easier for you to manage and experience small victories on a daily basis.

3.) Lastly, recognize that we are all control freaks at some level. Let go and let God be in control. We are not super humans and cannot possibly do everything. God can and will give us strength, patience, wisdom and peace to handle whatever life throws at us. Don’t forget: sometimes God puts other people in our lives to help.

FIRE!8 I am giving you permission for “me time.” Take a long hot shower or a bubble bath tonight. Let the stress of the day, melt away as the hot water relaxes your tense muscles. Then watch all your worries be washed down the drain.

Be Excellent!
Lori