Set Yourself Stress-Free

by: Joy Fisher-Sykes
Stress in our personal and professional lives is everchanging and constantly on the rise. Everyday we’reexpected to do more and more with less and less - lessresources, less energy and less time. In order to master theability to manage stress, it’s important to first remove one ofthe biggest obstacles that stands between chaos and calm -SELF. Often we are one of the biggest contributors to thecalamity and chaos we experience in our lives. Stressmanagement is the recognition that life is all about thechoices we make. Starting today, choose to take control andfollow these simple tips to help you lead a stress-lesslifestyle.* Choose To Be Short on Complaints, Long on PraiseFar too often, we are quick as a whip to complain when wefeel we have been wronged, yet we are not as quick tolavish praise. Complaining about every little thing is verystressful and draining. Instead of complaining, why notcontribute. Starting today, make a point to praise thosewho have had a positive impact on your life – from thecashier who didn’t pack your bread on the bottom of thebag, to the mechanic who didn’t scare you into anunnecessary repair, to the neighbor who is willing to babysit on ten minutes notice. Doing so will not only make youfeel good, but will make a difference in a positive way andmake someone else feel great.* Choose To Love The Skin You’re InActress Jamie Lee Curtis, known for her acting talents andphysical beauty, recently took a bold step many of uswould shutter at the thought of – she posed for a magazineminus make-up in a crop top and shorts. She posed for allthe world to see the “real” beauty she is – a confidentwomen who doesn’t define herself by other people’sstandards.Chasing after beauty defined by others (media, family,friends, spouse, co-workers and others) is detrimental toyour peace of mind. Be bold and love the skin you’re inright now – crooked nose, warts, corns, receding hairline,wrinkles, sags, bulges and all. Appreciate your naturalbeauty and love yourself just the way you are.* Choose To Pass On PerfectionThink of how many things don’t get done becausesomeone is waiting for the perfect time, place andcircumstance. Working with perfection as your standard isboth a mental and physical drain. Lose the need to geteverything done “perfect.” Know that it’s far better toaccomplish a task at 85% perfection than to procrastinateand wait for 100% perfection.Remember that a stress-less life is all about choice – what areyou going to choose today?