How to Eliminate Stress in Your Daily Life

Let's paint a picture of the stresses you may be under:

It's Monday, your kids spilled milk on your new pants and you're late for work, your boss is screaming for your reports that are overdue, your bills are late to be payed, and your laundry list of chores is longer than your two week grocery list.

STOP! BREATHE! Take a moment to realize you cannot accomplish everything at once. Here are some tips to add to your daily routine when it seems impossible to do everything.....

• Do exactly that, stop and breathe. Take 5 seconds to close your eyes, clear your mind, and take a few nice deep breaths. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. 
• Make a priority list. When you look at your calendar that's chalk full, put a check mark next to those things that absolutely need to get done TODAY. 
• Change your attitude. You determine how you react to your boss and your kids. You are in control of your actions. Everything happens for a reason. Remember, someone ALWAYS has it worse. You have the right to feel upset or stressed on a bad day, but remember there are children dying of AIDS, people losing their homes, and starving countries. Be sure to count all your blessings.
• Put things in perspective. What is the WORST that will happen if things don't get done on time? You may have a late fee, your boss may be angry with you, you may be late to work. While there are consequences, realize life will go on and everything WILL be OK.
• Stay away from artificial sweeteners, particularly Aspartame. Not only is this unhealthy for your body, but it is broken down into a natural central nervous system stimulant. This will create more anxiety and nervousness. In times of stress this is not needed! Reach for a nice glass of water or chamoile tea instead of that Diet Coke.
• Take a short walk. Even if this walk is 5 minutes, it's letting out that pent up energy from your frustration. Exercise also stimulates your brain to release "feel good" chemicals. This will help boost your spirits! 
• Take time for yourself. I cannot express this enough. Even if it's 5 minutes to a half hour. You matter and you need time to take care of YOU.
• Start your day off right. Eat breakfast, take a short morning walk, wake up and read a passage from the bible or an inspirational book, reflect on your spiritual self before you get out of bed. It's important not to get lost in the daily shuffle and miss out on the most important thing, LIFE!