Tips to reduce stress and add quality to life

We live in a busy world.
Wherever we turn, it seems as if we are bombarded with information
advertising and demands on our time.
In such an environment stress is becoming a factor of daily life
affecting health,attitudes and relationships in one form or another.
Below are some helpful tips and ideas that can reduce stress
and bring about positive change in the areas mentioned above.

Set aside for yourself a period of time during the day to be by yourself.

Turn off your mobile or set it to silent for that time or get someone to take a message.
(hint for busy mothers - arrange with your partner or friend to babysit the kids
while each of you has time out and share the load).
Single mothers - start a time out club with other parents and rotate babysitting
so each of you has some kid-free time during the week.
Learn to set boundaries and stick to them- unless someone is dying or in danger
there is no real emergency that cannot wait a few minutes.

Find something that you really enjoy and set time aside at least once a week to do it.
Explore your creative ideas, write down your thoughts in a diary.
Evaluate where you are and where you want to be in your life -
physically,mentally and spiritually, and set some goals.

Remember dollars gained by long hard hours cannot replace quality of life
or buy back relationships.

Plan a few holidays every year (remember that they needn't be expensive ones
and short breaks of a couple of days are often more beneficial
than one big holiday at the end of the year when you are too exhausted to enjoy it).

Look at developing a healthy diet - this will help your body fight stress and illness.
Get some exercise - 30 minutes a day,walk in the park,smell the flowers.
Play! Make your day fun,read a good joke,do something silly.get some play dough.

Purchase some instrumental music (no words) that is soothing
and play it softly in the background
when you are working or driving (avoid the heavy beats).

Learn the value of simplicity and break up your day into bite - sized chunks for each task.
Reward yourself at the end of the day with a small treat or enjoyable activity.

Take time to talk with a good friend once a week.
Meet your neighbors during a walk down your street.
Smile- it increases your "face value" and can defuse stressful situations.
Learn to laugh at yourself and with others.