The new ABC's

Almost everyday I get to sing the ABC's or work on individual letters with kids! Well, I ran across this version of the ABC's in relation to reducing stress in your life (by Claude Arpi) and found some of the ideas very helpful! I highlighted some of the ones I really liked. Much more applicable to my life than just singing the ABC's.... :) (And, I changed two of them since they were not at all applicable to me!)

Always take time for yourself, at least 30 minutes per day.

Be aware of your own stress meter: Know when to step back & cool down.

Concentrate on controlling your own situation without controlling everybody else.

Daily exercise will burn off the stress chemicals.

Eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies, bread & water; give your body the best for it to perform at its best.

Forgive others, don’t hold grudges & be tolerant – not everyone is as capable as you.

Gain perspective on things, how important is the issue?

Hugs, kisses & laughter; have fun & don’t be afraid to share your feelings with others.

Identify stressors & plan to deal with them better next time.

Judge your own performance realistically; don’t set goals out of your own reach.

Keep a positive attitude, your outlook will influence outcomes & the way others treat you.

Love. Simply put. Love others.

Manage money well, seek advice & save at least 10% of what you earn.

No is a word you need to learn to use without feeling guilty.

Outdoor activities by yourself or with friends/family can be a great way to relax.

Play your favorite music rather than watching television.

Quiet time. Make sure you incorporate some quiet time into your day.

Relationships: nurture & enjoy them, learn to listen more & talk less.

Sleep well with a firm mattress & a supportive pillow; don’t overheat yourself & allow plenty of ventilation.

Treat yourself once a week with a massage, dinner out, the movies, etc. Moderation is the key.

Understand things from the other person’s point of view.

Verify information from the source before exploding.

Worry less, it really does not get things completed better or quicker.

Xpress: Make a regular retreat to your favorite space; make holidays part of your yearly plan & budget.

Yearly goal setting: plan what you want to achieve based on your priorities in career, relationships, etc.

Zest for life: each day is a gift, smile & be thankful that you are a part of the bigger picture.