SIMPLE ANTI-STRESS MEASURES

With all the stressors around us, we need to be careful that we don't get "stressed out."  Here are some anti-stress measures that really work:

1. Attitude - Bottom-line is that how you feel depends on how you look at life.  Stress is our mind/body's reaction so we can influence this by cultivating a positive and courageous attitude.
2. Breathing - learn to breathe deeply and fully.
3. A healthy body facilitates healthy thinking - all the attitude in the world will not compensate for an out-of-shape body.
4. Don't exercise too hard - Avoid the "no pain, no gain" approach.  Exercise to live, don't live to exercise.
5. Nutrition - eat the right foods.  Balance and variety is still the best approach.
6. Play - As we get older, we seem to forget how it is to be playful.  Be childlike from time to time.  This will also facilitate your creativity.
7. Rest - Get enough sleep and take time off from work to recharge.
8. Support - Your family and friends can help you deal with stressors in so many ways.
9. Don't play around with medication.  Even over-the-counter medicines can cause damage if abused.
10. Laugh - They say laughter is the best medicine.  Having a sense of humor takes the edge out of life.
11. Don't forget to pray.  Remember that there is always Someone who is willing to listen and really help us.

Also watch out for these major sources of stress:

1. Lack of money - real or perceived
2. Mondays!
3. The boss!
4. Demanding clients!
5. Our family (hopefully just sometimes)
6. Traffic
7. The government
8. Media (mostly bad news)
9. Vices
10. Negative thinking