Stress-Less Resolutions:
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
#1 New Year's Resolution for Many? "Get Fit."
Tired of losing the same ten pounds? Figure out why you want this. We seldom make lasting changes for others. Be Realistic. Deprivation may work short-term, then, KaBoom! *For Every Diet, There is an equal and opposite binge.* (Eating disorders expert,Geneen Roth.) Enjoy variety, colors, textures, build in treats from time to time. Note: Goals that involve numbers (pounds, ounces, calories, fat grams, reps,) can be traps for some people. For others, a safety net. Know which type you are.
2. Enjoy Your Endorphins
If you don't feel like moving your body, do it for your head. Even 10 minutes can help lift the clouds. Feel your body working for you as you breathe and perspire and grow stronger. Remember music,
laughter, creativity, hugs and other great sources of The Feel-Good Factor.
3. Need Advice? Try Writing Meditation
A simple, powerful practice often yielding profound insight. Details at: http://www.relaxintuit.com/tips/260/
4. Swamped? Reassess.
Must this really be done No w? Is there a simpler way? Who could help?
5. S-t-r-e-t-c-h
While waiting at a red light, imagine neck and shoulder muscles softening and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g like warm taffy. Re-position car seats, computer monitor, desk chair. Try a new pillow.
6. B-r-e-a-t-h-e
Exhaling any stale air hanging-out deep in the lungs, imagine slowly inhaling sparkling light into your ache, dissolving and aches, depression. Listen to your body and find a gentle, comfortable pace to avoid light-headedness.
7. Be the Friend You Would Like to Have
A favorite quote: *Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.* -- Dinah Craik
8. Parting Gifts
Each time you leave a friend or loved one, part warmly so that if somehow this were the last time you spoke, they would know how much you care.
9. Create a Not-To-Do List
e.g. A few of my own:
I will not procrastinate so that I feel anxious.
I will not rush any important decision.
I will not promise anything I am not sure I can deliver. My word can be
trusted.
10. Grow. . .
Mark Twain: Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
Henry David Thoreau: Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.
11. Gentle Yourself
Whatever your goals, expect imperfection and forgive it. If you slip off-track, gently say to yourself: *Exhale, and Simply Resume.*
12. When All Else Fails Go to Bed. . .
Sometimes the best thing to do with a day is simply let it be over so that you can rest and try again tomorrow.
[Copyright 2000, 2008 Susie Mantell, Relax. . .Intuit (tm) LLC. All rights reserved.] Federal law prohibits use of this material in whole or in part without the express written consent of Relax...Intuit™ LLC. For Reprint Permission: Kindly email your request for guidelines, pasting in the full text of the specific article you wish to use, to info@relaxintuit.com We'll try to reply within 72 hrs.]
Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com