3 REAL LIFE HABITS FOR SUCCESS ® BREAK THROUGH YOUR STRESS

We are living in a moment in time that humanity has dreamed about for millenniums. However, with all the modern conveniences and technical miracles there comes a price. To enjoy our lives fully, and truly be without the debilitating affects of stress, we need the tools and habits to help put it all in perspective.

1. ENJOY THE RELAXING PHYSICAL SENSATION OF BREATHING PEACEFULLY. Whenever you feel anxious or nervous, take a few deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. When breathing out, say to yourself, “three.” On the next out-breath, “two.” Continue to “one” and repeat the cycle. This will send a message to your brain and body that it’s time to relax and calm down.

2. PRACTICE THE ART OF FORGIVENESS. The person who seeks revenge should dig two graves. The act of forgiveness is actually an act of self-care as it releases anger, resentment, pain or fear, and allows room for joy, happiness, peace and love. Forgiveness is something you do for yourself, not for others. You can achieve forgiveness by writing a letter to a person who has offended you. Say everything you want to say and then destroy the letter. Another tool that may help is to talk to the person if possible, owning the part of the issue that is yours. Or speak with a trusted friend, clergy or counselor to get constructive feedback.

3. USE A ONE MINUTE BODY RELAXATION TECHNIQUE. Body relaxation is the first step in learning how to eliminate tension. Remove extraneous stimuli and allow yourself to be alert and to concentrate more intensely while being relaxed at the same time. The technique can be performed lying down or sitting in a chair. Close your eyes. Starting from the head, slowly scan your body all the way to your toes. As you scan, notice any tension in the body (on the forehead, around the eyes, clenched hand, etc.), then relax the area by saying the word “relax.”

3 REAL LIFE HABITS FOR SUCCESS ® BANISHING BURNOUT

Burnout is the new personal and professional hazard. If you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, zapped of energy and pessimistic you might be experiencing burnout. You can practice a few habits to send burnout into exile.
1. ELIMINATE NON-ESSENTIALS. Burnout’s main precursor is taking on too many responsibilities. Trying to pour water into an already full glass only makes a mess. Working 50+ hours at the office, helping the kids with homework, attending to domestic duties, serving on a non-profit board and so on… Sorry, you’re not Super Man or Wonder Women, you’re human. Focus the majority of your energy and time on top priorities. Focus on the most important and let go of the rest.

2. TAKE TIME FOR DAILY RENEWAL. A day without solitude is insanity. Take time to step away from the chaos that we can encounter in everyday life. Enjoying a mid-day lunch with friends or a massage at the spa can be helpful. So can a day of fishing or skiing, an hour of sculpting or painting. Mediation, journaling, vacations, hobbies, going for a 3 mile run or walk or vegetating on the couch, can renew your energy.

3. OUTSOURCE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES. Face it. You shouldn’t let the plumbing overflow because you don’t want to deal with it. You needn’t delay on your taxes because you don’t have the knowledge to prepare for it. Is there really a need to change the oil in your car, or let someone else do if for you? Would a tutor help your kids with their studies, would delegating more to your assistant be helpful, and more effective? The key is to utilize industry professionals whenever you can. Don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities as long as you communicate expectations—and inspect the final results!