Stress Management 101: Tip for today

Time Management! A lot of stress is due to the lack of effective time management. Do you ever feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything that you need or want to do? Well in fact there are and the key is to prioritize and plan as much as possible. Doing so will help reduce the stress that accompanies the perception that nothing is getting done or the feeling of being overwhelmed. Make a "To Do" list. Put the important items/tasks at the top and continue with the lowest priorities as you move down the list. Estimate the amount of time that you think will be needed to complete each task and then get started. Don't forget to include time for breaks and meals: otherwise you'll defeat the purpose. Whatever doesn't get done on your list can be moved to the next day in the top position. Another idea is to use your calendars for meetings and events. The calendars on phones, tablets and computers (cloud based too) come with neat alarm and reminder functions so that you can always be alerted no matter where you are or what you're doing. I like the convenience of the cloud based calendars and reminders. Getting that reminder in my email and on my phone is fantastic and has helped me greatly in improving my efficiency. That's my tip for today. What do you think?

Stress tip: get some sleep!

Have you ever heard someone say: sleep on it and you'll feel better? There actually is some merit to that statement. Stress uses energy which can make you tired. Lack of sleep is related to negative and harmful situations externally and internally. Research confirms the link between lack of sleep/insomnia and vehicle crashes, headaches, poor concentration, immune deficiency and obesity. All of these cause stress in the body (internally) but can also impact the individual externally. Daily activities including home and personal life also suffer which results in additional stress. Important responsibilities get neglected and overlooked. But you have trouble sleeping you say? Try this, exercise during the day. At least 30 minutes of exercise works wonders and will help you get to sleep, but try to avoid vigorous exercise before going to bed. Instead, try yoga, stretching or deep breathing which allow the mind and body to slow down eventually assisting in the secretion of serotonin and the onset of relaxation and sleep. How much sleep should you get? Aim for at least 8 hours. Your body will thank you for it and your stress levels will go south. You'll wake up with a clear mind, well rested and ready to face the world. Works for me. What about you? Tell me what you think.

Stress management tip for the day

Spend a little time in nature. Observe the beauty around you that arrives right on schedule as the seasons change. For many of you the seasons seem to never change, but for others of us it's about time :-). So, take the time to clear your mind and feel the incredible peace that arrives when you intentionally engage yourself in the beauty of God's creation. Just for today. Try it. Let me know what you think. Stay stress free. Ruthy

Stress management 101

Stress is pretty serious. It's inevitable and lurking around every corner but there's good news. It doesn't have to rule our lives. So starting today, I'm going to post daily tips to help you address, mitigate, reduce and even prevent stress. Feel free to add your personal tips as well in your comments. Today's tip: GRATITUDE Adopting a spirit of gratitude allows one to take stock of all that one has, instead of what one doesn't have. This includes the tangible as well as the intangibles of life. Did you wake up this morning? Do you have clothes to wear? Do you have all of the senses; a clear mind, working limbs, food, clothing, shelter etc.? You get my drift. Gratitude also helps one understand needs versus wants, ultimately arriving at the destination of contentment and fulfillment. There are things that one needs; those things that are essential to survival. Then again there are things that one wants but can live without. True gratitude gives one a clear perspective about what is truly important. I'm grateful for health, friends, family, life, God's love and fresh air. Those are a few things on my gratitude list. I could go on but that's what I think. Now, you think about it and then answer this question? What are you grateful for? Make a list and share some of your list with us. Make a list daily. It will change your life and reduce your stress.

What have YOU learned?

As another school year wraps up it's the end of the semester once again. Time for final exams, final projects and program assessments for students and professors. In my classes I like to do final projects that essentially ask the students what they've learned about topics such as Stress Management and Personal Wellness. It blows me away to see some of the presentations that students submit with their personal stash of tools and strategies that they compile from the information in the class. Why? Because there are times when I question whether my efforts are effective but then the day for the final project presentations arrives and I am pleasantly surprised. So what have I learned? I've learned that once again, my work is important and appreciated. Most importantly I've learned the significance of staying the course, believing in what I do, reinforcing my mission and living my dream even on those days when it seems like the message is not valued. So what have you learned?