TIP # 10

Get some fresh air.



If you are cooped up inside all day, take a few minutes to get outside and see the sun. A little time in the great outdoors can improve your mood and help you relax.
A walk in the park is always invigorating.

TIP # 9

Replace the phrase "I have to" with "I get to"






Even the most miserable of tasks seem easier and less stressful if you get to do them. It's kind of like a reward. Oooeee, I get to make cold calls today. It gives you a positive feeling." By removing that feeling that you "have" to do something, you've reduced some pressure and stress.

TIP # 8

WAKE UP 15 MINUTES EARLY IN THE MORNING




15 minutes is hardly going to make a dent in your night's sleep. Especially if you followed the tips about getting a good night sleep. But an extra 15 minutes in the morning means you are little bit less rushed, you have a little more time to get organized, get ready for your busy day. You will then start your day much less stressed out. If nothing else it will give you time to have a quiet relaxing start to your day.

Starting your day in a maximum stress situation does not fare well for your well being. It will make you grumpy, tired, anxious and everything coming your way will appear to be more stressful than it really is.

So get that extra 15 minutes and start your day with a smile

Be smart, stay healthy!!!

TIP # 7

STAY AWAY FROM JUNK FOOD!!!

I know it seems that the convenience of fast food would make sense when you are so busy and have too many things to do. Cooking is probably the last thing on your mind.

Junk food is high in fats, sugar and chemicals and this will only drag you down. What you need is more energy, better health. A good diet will help you provide this.

Remember if you put lower quality oil and gasoline in your car, it will give you a much worse performance than if you fuel it with good quality products. Same goes for your body.

You can eat some healthy meals without spending a lot of time preparing them.

• Be organized: take time to wash and organize your food when you get home from the grocery store. It makes it easier when you are ready to cook
• Have some good recipes to rely upon (Rachel Ray is famous for her quick healthy meals),
• Purchase good healthy food and snacks (if you don't have junk food on hands it makes it difficult to eat it)
• Make more than you need for one meal, divide and freeze the rest in single portion. You will have a quick meal ready to go for another night. Just take out in the morning and it will be thawed out by the time you get home.
• Crock-pots are wonderful. You can get everything ready the night before or early in the morning and have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home from work or a long day shopping
• Don't have gazillions of Christmas goodies sitting around the house. If you enjoy making Christmas cookies, share them with others
• Make sure your pantry is stock with good solid healthy basics to help you complete most recipes. It's not fun to be missing one or two key ingredients when you are trying to complete a meal.

Be smart, stay healthy

TIP # 6

THINK ABOUT 1 THING AT THE TIME

Your mind can only deal with one thing at a time and if you introduce more that two goals to you mind, you will surely end up feeling stressed. The only reason large projects seem stressful is because you try to think of everything you would need to accomplish at once. You should divide a large project or problem into small steps and execute those steps one at a time. This will make you more productive and you will not feel overwhelmed, therefore you will avoid getting stressed.

Remember.... how do you eat an elephant?? One bit at the time!!!

TIP # 5

LISTEN TO MUSIC

If you're feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation, try taking a break and listening to relaxing music. Playing calm music has a positive effect on the brain and body, can lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.

TIP # 4

WORKOUT

Working out produces endorphin (your happy hormones). Happy people do not get depressed.

Working out makes your body work better and healthier. A body in tip top shape can handle stress a lot better.

Working out makes you feel better mentally.... "Yes, I got my workout in, I did it".... especially the days you don't feel like working out.

Only a few minutes per day will enhance the quality of your day. Just do it!!!

Be smart, stay healthy.