Stressbusters

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

Matthew 6:34

As a college freshman at Valparaiso University, facing all the uncertainties of future academic and work life, I had the opportunity to meet with the president emeritus and chancellor. Audiences were rare. Sitting among a small group of nervous peers, we anxiously awaited the arrival of a man revered throughout the school, let alone the country and abroad, for his excellence in achievement and esteemed wisdom.

Dr. O. P. Kretzman arrived in a wheelchair, aging, with failing sight. You could have heard a pin drop. All too soon, the attention turned to us as he asked for questions from the group. Silence. I knew inside what an opportunity this was, so despite my fear, I got up the courage to break the ice and ask my question.

"What advice would you give new freshman as we face all the choices and uncertainties ahead of us?" His reply was simple and strong, "Take one bite out of the apple at a time." No more, no less. A perfect stressbuster for the moment and for all the moments of my life to come. Now that I've been in the working world for 20 years, I've added a few more stressbusters to maintain a healthy life. Help yourself!

Change your priorities Take stretch breaks Step back and observe Review your purpose Get a massage Leave five minutes earlier See a comedy Let go and let God! Use affirmations Organize your space Share your feelings Smell some flowers Ask for acknowledgement Listen to your intuition Help someone else Rub your feet and hands Visualize positive outcomes Take care of your health Don't judge; bless Work in the garden Create a budget Be empathetic, not overly sensitive Be still and meditate Use time-saving technology Carpool and enjoy the ride Set aside time for planning Count your blessings Don't forget, write it down Simplify, simplify, simplify Talk it out with coworkers Eliminate destructive self-talk Schedule play time Change your environment Go with your natural rhythms Find an easy place to give your gifts Fully express yourself View problems as opportunities Let go of "what ifs" Be clear what's expected of you Ask the experts Do your best and then stop Trust Divine timing and order Develop patience Breathe deeply Take a walk Complete things Take a nap Sing a tune Take a warm bath Talk out your worries Delegate Talk with your mom or dad Say no at times Shift deadlines Follow your passion Tell a joke Play out your fears Drink lots of good water Create a support system Divide up big projects Seek advice Be gentle with yourself Don't enable others

Source: http://www.martinrutte.com/stories.html