Live a Stress Free Life!
Author: Shannon Miller Lifestyle
How stressful was your holiday season this year?
The good news is that the gift-giving craze should be about over by now. The bad news is that you still have to recover from the New Year’s Celebrations….and then the bills. Let’s take it one step at a time to reduce stress in our lives now and on into the New Year.
Steps to reduce stress:
- Be present.
“The present is a gift” is a popular wise saying, but what does it mean? Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and A New Earth explains that being right here in the present moment opens the world for you. Instead of allowing your mind to constantly drag your thoughts into the past and the future, try your very best to stay in what is happening right now. When you do, you will enjoy it so much more. As a parent, being present with your child will bring you more joy than focusing on that next project. This is how we connect with our children and show them that we value their time.
2. Be grateful.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” When you take a moment to stop and thank the universe or God for all that is around you, stress melts. And you can focus on what is truly important.
3. Be proactive about spending.
A lot of our stress comes from financial woes and heartache. Be honest with yourself and where your finances are right now. Programs such as QuickBooks can help you see exactly where your money goes, where you overspend, and where you can move some money around. Priorities are, of course, necessities, health, savings, retirement, and education. Take a look and see if your finances reflect that, or if you are overspending on something. Taking control of your finances can take the constant worry-voice out of the back of your head. Knowing exactly what your money is doing gives you the freedom to know how to spend.
4. Eat well.
Stay with your eating plan through stressful times. Your mind might want a quick “upper” in the form of caffeine and sugar, but you know that eating poorly adds to a sugar drop later, nutritional holes, and possibly even sickness. Eating foods high in vitamins, like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, keeps your blood sugar even and improves immunity. That way, you can we well-minded and well overall.
5. Exercise
Nothing improves endorphins like a good workout! Endorphins are friendly hormones that make you feel good, and lessen stress levels.
6. Live on a schedule.
Kids and parents alike thrive on a schedule. That doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a little wiggle room for fun, especially on holiday times, but knowing what “the plan” is sets the mind at ease, and reduces forgetfulness. Kids like knowing what is expected of them, and they like knowing what is in the near future, so having a routine can really reduce their stress level.