If you find yourself overwhelmed by day-to-day pressures, please discuss it with your doctor.  They may be able to help, or at least offer some excellent advice!

Let’s say you’re under pressure because you have a TON of things to accomplish at work this week AND a huge deadline.  How do you possibly de-stress with all of that going on?  Well, first and foremost, make a list or put it in your calendar!  (Yes, I’m one of those “list people”!)  Make a list of what you need to do, prioritize it.  Whether it's lawn care, or just your everyday activities, the key is organization.  Not to mention, once you have your list, you can begin tackling projects and crossing them off as you complete them.  The satisfaction you feel each time you cross off another task will be very rewarding.  

Ways to ensure your body and mind are ready to handle stressors in your life:

1)     Eliminate any unnecessary stress from your life.  Learn to say “NO”!  Don’t take on more than you can handle.  It’s ok to say no sometimes!!

2)     Make sure you get enough sleep!!!!  

3)     Feed your body with good nutrition.  Nutritional deficiencies have been linked to several diseases.  Make sure you eat plenty of healthy foods and drink plenty of water!

4)     Reduce sugar and caffeine – they are stimulants.  There are other ways to get a boost – try doing 15 jumping jacks!  You’d be surprised how much it boosts your energy.

5)     Exercise regularly.  Like Elle Woods says in Legally Blonde “Exercise produces endorphins.  Endorphins make people happy.  Happy people don’t shoot their husbands.  They just don’t!” LOL! Ok it’s a little off topic, but you get the point!  You’re better equipped to handle situations when you’re happy!

6)     Take a walk in your lawn for a few minutes.  Even standing outside for five minutes and looking at the clouds can balance you.  Breathe in the fresh air.  Listen to the birds chirping.  Take time to smell the proverbial roses!

7)     Spend time with a pet – animals are excellent therapy!  I can’t help but smile when playing catch with my dog.

8)     LAUGH, LAUGH, LAUGH!!!  You cannot laugh too much!  Read some jokes online, watch a comedy skit on youtube.com. Laughter is an excellent release – remember those endorphins!

9)  Make your computer desktop image something very inviting.  Mine are tropical beach scenes with palm trees and gorgeous blue water.  I can imagine I’m looking out a window to that scene when I need to escape.  You could decorate your office with relaxing-themed pictures.  I also have a calendar full of beautiful tropical islands. 

10)  Add some plants to your environment, they increase the air quality and provide beauty as well.

11)  Scented candles, incense, and other aromatherapies are great mood lifters.  Lavender and jasmine help with anxiety and depression, and a couple drops of lavender on your pillow will help you sleep! Peppermint oil is good for migraines and headaches. 

Stay Tuned for More Tips in Part 3