HEALTHY CHANGES:
4 Steps Towards Overall Health
Step 1:
Understanding Your "Total Health"
Step 2:
Make the Commitment
Step 3:
Assessment & Goals
Step 4:
ACTION TOOL RESOURCE CENTER
Mental/Emotional
Health
Social
Health
Spiritual
Health
Physical
Health
Step 4: RESOURCE TOOL CENTER
Mental/Emotional Health: Stress Management
EVERYDAY TOOLS FOR SUCCESS!
The stress of the day can take its toll on all of us, whether you are a CEO of a big company or a housewife with tons of chores to handle. It’s time to manage all that stress and get your relaxation on!
Choose one or more of these instant stress relievers the next time you feel stress beginning to affect you:
* Wake Up Wisdom
Try to spend a calm moment before jumping out of bed and starting your busy
day. Taking the time to stretch will help you start your day on the right
foot. In this exercise, focus on gently relaxing your mind and body.
* Motivational Mirror Session
Stand strong and flex before your mirror. Fill your lungs with air. Shake
your head or body if you can’t perk up. Give yourself a pep talk before
launching into your day and you’ll receive and instant boost. For
better or worse, this is the “you” you’ve got today! Check
in to see how you are doing.
* Doorway Discipline
Before you touch that doorknob, avoid unwanted stress by making sure all-important
items are packed with you. Taking this extra minute may save you hours later.
Before stepping into the vast unknown, go through this final checklist:
- Have I got my keys, watch, wallet and cash?
- Do I know how to get where I am going?
- Do I need to mail any letters or return library books (or even video tapes/DVDs?)
- One last look to make sure all is in order.
* Tropical Urban Oasis
Slip out of your day and have a tropical fruit juice fix. When you are squeezed
for time, juice shops offer a meal in a cup and an upbeat atmosphere. Add
all the extras for a much-needed energy boost. For smoothies, ask for real
yogurt instead of frozen yogurt. If you are feeling adventurous, order one
or two shots of wheat grass juice. As a chaser, order a carrot and orange
juice mix.
* After Work Window Gazing
Take window-shopping to another level. After work, go for a stroll down
your town’s main street. Let your mind unwind and soak up the sights
and sounds of the neighborhood. Step by step, relax and breathe. To disengage
your mind from work, notice the latest styles and colors in each shop window.
Let the sights and sounds soothe your tension. Accomplish nothing but walking
and window gazing. By the time you return home, you will be feeling renewed
and ready for friends and family.
* Rub-A-Dub Yoga in the Tub
Take a step into the relaxation zone! Schedule a meeting just for you, your
bath salts and your bathtub. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for
a relaxing aromatic touch. Dim the lights, light the candles and stop the
action.
Focus on melting tension away:
- While sitting in the tub, brace your hands underneath your calves.
- Place the soles of your feet flat against the end of the bathtub.
- Gently lower your upper body into a forward bend.
- Let your head drop forward and relax your neck muscles.
- Breathe and relax into the stretch.
Read More:
8 Ways to Beat Stress: Discovery.com
Don't
Sweat the Future: Discovery.com
INSPIRATION CORNER