Motivation Monday: Stress Free

I had a good two-weeks at which I felt at peace about everything - from my work load, to the hubby's job situation, our families, and the never ending to-do list. Unfortunately that zen-like attitude has been replaced with my normal anxiety ridden mental state. And since I had a taste of the aforementioned, I obviously prefer to adapt to the "let the chips fall as they may" outlook.

So, here are 12 easy steps to kill stress.

1. Make quiet time: Whether you meditate daily, go to the gym three times a week, practice yoga, go hiking on the weekends, or just spend an hour a night with a book, you need to create a space where you can clear your mind of everything that’s dragging at you.
2. Stop procrastinating: You can't put off important tasks, but you can eliminate worrying about said chores. Just start somewhere. You will start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Write everything down: Create a list, prioritize and update. I create a list every Friday that incorporates the three main aspects of my job (volunteer, teen book club and scholarship) as well as administrative duties. I also include my personal to-do list, such as thank you cards, important phone dates, house projects and presents I need to purchase. This helps keep my life organized thus less stressful.
4. Eat better: A good diet can help your body handle the effects of stress. As a general rule, eat as much as you can from the "edges" of your supermarket - such as produce, bakery, butcher counter, and dairy case - and save the junk food in the "middle" of the grocery store for a reward/treat.
5. Make family time: Make an effort to eat one meal a day with your family (or with friends if you’re single). Better yet, prepare at least one home-cooked meal a day with your family/friends.
6. Talk it out: Bottling up your frustrations, even the little ones, leads to stress. Learn to express dissatisfaction (in a constructive, non-hurtful way) and voice your concerns to someone close to you.
7. Prioritize: Figure out what in your life actually needs attention. Know what you can easily let slide - and what you can drop entirely - and focus your energy on things that will actually make a difference in your life.
8. Have routines: Having a set routine means you don’t have to worry about what comes next; after a while, it becomes second nature.
9. Accept interruptions gracefully: Don’t let your rituals become so rigid that you can’t function if they’re interrupted. Leave yourself enough wiggle room to adapt to changing conditions.
10. Know when to quit: Don’t stand for employers, friends, or a spouse who treat you badly. Decide how much of yourself you’re willing to put into a relationship, job, or activity; when you cross that line, walk away and don’t look back.
11. Pay attention to yourself: Notice when you feel stressed and determine the cause. Pay attention to your body and emotions and figure out whether the things you’re doing are fulfilling your own definition of a good, productive life - or somebody else’s. Give up unnecessary competition.
12. Love: Build relationships. Share yourself. Feel human warmth.