Reduce Stress and be a better YOU!

Why is it so hard to take a few minutes for you? Is it because you feel like you are deliberately taking time away from your family, work, or the other endless obligations we have? When we want to be all things to all people and forget about taking care of ourselves there is a good chance that mental exhaustion, resentment, frustration, and anxiety will result.

Take time for me…sounds great…..but where do I find the time? Here is the key…you need to make the time. I am not talking about hours a day, simply by stealing moments and dedicating 30 minutes a day your mental and physical health could be significantly improved. How much time do you worry about all those things you need to do…how productive is that time….does it make you feel better or worse? Limiting your worry and replacing it with positive thoughts may improve your mood. Taking time to think of everything you have to be thankful of is another way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Think about what you are stressing about, what can be done about it right now? Are the things that you are stressing about as important as you are making them…what will happen if the lawn does not get mowed today or if the house does not get vacuumed today?

Here are some quick ideas for your YOU TIME!

• Take a walk…15-30 minutes in nature can do wonders for your stress level.
• Curl up with a good book…NOT work related!
• Listen to some of your favorite music.
• Pray!
• Watch a comedy – Laugh!
• Meditation!
• Pick up a hobby you have neglected.
• Spend time with a Pet!

The benefits of relaxation are much more than simply rejuvenating your spirit. The health benefits associated with decreasing your stress level are amazing. In addition to giving you a more positive outlook it can also decrease your risk for certain health conditions. The decision is yours…a simple decision can give you more energy, improve your sleep, smooth your emotional responses (anger, frustration, anxiety), and decrease muscle tension. Sounds like a no-brainer, unfortunately it is not that easy or we all would be giving “me time” the dedication it deserves. This takes a conscious decision to recognize you are not taking away from those who love you and depend on you but rather you are ensuring that you give them a better YOU! Do it for you and do it for all those who love you!