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Make Your Own Spa Day at Home

September 02, 2011 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Healthy Living, Stress Management 1 Comment →

If you need some time out and don’t have the money to splurge on getting away, why not make your own spa day at home?

More and more people are enjoying staycations and saving money by taking time off but staying at home (or very close to it).   Maybe you think that there’s no way you could afford a spa day or you could never seem to make take the time off and commit to ‘spoiling’ yourself.

There is a way to make your own spa day at home. It takes less time and money than a day at a professional spa. You just have to plan for it.  Here are some ideas on how to create this special day for yourself.

1. Arrange for Child Care

Of course you love your children; but to have a day that’s really your own (where you’re not wiping noses and fixing meals and cleaning messes), and to make your own spa day at home truly relaxing, you will need to arrange for someone to take you child or children for a good part of the day. Even a few hours is long enough for some spa pampering.

2. Gather Your Supplies

For a spa day at home, you’ll need some basic items. Here is a list to help you get started:

  • Bathrobe
  • Towels
  • Slippers
  • Candles
  • Healthy snacks and meals (nothing ruins a healthy spa day like getting hungry and going for the chips because you don’t have any healthy foods prepared)
  • Relaxing music
  • Facial mask of your choice, homemade or store-bought
  • Pumice stone
  • Pedicure and manicure supplies, such as nail clippers, files, polish, cuticle remover, nail soak or oil, etc.
  • Relaxing herbal teas
  • Body lotion or oil
  • Deep hair conditioner

3. Enjoy Your own Spa Day at Home

Once you have things planned and your supplies ready, you can settle in to your spa day. Here are some suggestions for how to make it happen.

  • Exercise – Before you begin, do some light exercise and take a shower. Then you’ll be energized and relaxed at the same time, and your skin will be clean and ready for treatment. Use lotion or oil on your skin after your shower.
  • Create the environment – Turn off the phone and electronic devices. Make the lighting fit your taste; if you like natural sunlight and fresh air, open doors and windows. Or you might prefer dim lighting with candles. Put on the music you’d like.
  • Apply hair treatment – If you’re doing deep conditioning, you can take advantage of your hair still being damp from your shower. Work the conditioner in and wrap a towel around your head while it works.
  •  Apply your face mask – While you’re letting the mask and conditioner do their work, lie down on the couch and eat some healthy foods like fruit.
  • Do your nails and give yourself a pedicure - After you’ve rinsed your hair and face, it’s time for your nails. Work on your calluses with the pumice stone, and treat yourself to a home pedicure and manicure.

So, what are you waiting for?  Why not make your own spa day at home and treat yourself to a relaxing day.

 

Benefits of Menu Planning

June 28, 2011 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Healthy Living, Organization, Stress Management 1 Comment →

There are many benefits of meanu planning that people just dont think about.

Menu planning is a life saver for most families.  Just imagine creating an easy meal plan and knowing what you are going to be serving up for meals each day of the week? You will save time, money and your sanity.  

You  can visit Meal Planning Central for a free meal planning report and free resources too!

1) Get Dinner On The Table Faster

If you know what you are going to fix for dinner, and you have everything you need at your fingertips, getting the food on the table becomes a snap. You don’t have to spend 2o minutes searching through the freezer and cookibooks trying to figure out what to make. If you are stuck at the office, and your spouse knows what’s on the menu for the night – he or she can even get started on the easy recipes without you. When you have hungry family members, getting dinner on the table as fast as possible will make your evening much more enjoyable.

2) Run To The Store Less Often

How many times do you run to the grocery store to buy something to cook for dinner. I don’t know about you, but it takes me at least 45 minutes every time I do that. Menu planning allows you to get all your shopping done once a week, and make sure you have what you need to prepare every single dinner for the week.

3) You’ll Eat Better

You have the best intentions to prepare wholesome, healthy meals for your family. Then you get home late, everyone is hungry and there is nothing in the fridge. You head for takeout or call the pizza delivery guy. The is is asnother one of the  benefits of menu planning, if you plan your meals and have what you need at home you are much more likely to actually cook healthy dishes for your family.

4) It Saves You Money

How much food do you throw out each week because you just didn’t get around to cooking it? Plus every time you go to the store there are a few extra things that just make their way into your cart and on your grocery bill. One of my favorite benefits of menu planning is that  if you shop less and only for those items that you actually need, you spend a lot less money on groceries each week. We won’t even think about how much we spend eating out each week.

5) It Saves You Time

In addition to saving you money, meal planning also saves you time. You only have to go grocery shopping once a week, and there is no more walking around the kitchen each evening for 20 minutes frantically trying to figure out what’s for dinner tonight. Everything you need from the recipe to the ingredients is right at your fingertips.

6) Quality Family Time

When you think back to your own childhood, family dinner is sure to come to mind as a time when everyone got together to eat a meal and talk about the day. You can recreate that experience for your family and spend some quality time each week over a home-cooked meal.

7) It Is Easy

Last, but not least, menu planning is easy when we let us give you a hand. Our easy recipes are family friendly and our grocery shopping lists make your trips to the supermarket a breeze.

As you can see, there are many benefits of menu planning. You can also visit Meal Planning Central for a free meal planning report.

Taking Time Out For Yourself

May 23, 2011 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Healthy Living, Pamper Yourself, Stress Management No Comments →

For many different reasons, when some women become mothers they feel as if they don’t have any time to themselves. Let me ask you a question…. Do you have a problem taking time out for yourself?

Not only do they feel like they don’t have any time to themselves, they also feel like they don’t have the right to ask for this time because they are a mother. However, what these women fail to see is that not only do they have the right to have “me time,” but that this time extremely important. Perhaps you are one of these women that find it hard when it comes to taking time out for yourself, if so, keep reading. You’ll learn why you need to set aside your own “me time.”

The first reason that every mother needs her own “me time” is because none of us are Super Woman. It is impossible for us to deal with all of the daily demands placed on us as a wife, mother and woman without giving somewhere. After doing this day in and day out, it’s only natural that we begin to feel burned out. This is generally when we get a little “cranky.” I know you all know what I’m talking about. Therefore, it’s important that you start taking time out for yourself and give yourself at least 6 hours every WEEK of “me time.” It will keep you sane.

Not only will “me time” keep you sane, it will also give you time to do whatever it is you enjoy doing. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy reading romance novels, shopping, getting your nails done, going to the movies, cooking, etc. “Me time” is the time you give to yourself every week to do anything you want to do. Why is this important? So many women live life to the fullest before they get married and have kids. They know what things they enjoy doing the most – and they do them. However, when these women get married and have children they don’t have the time to do these things, and eventually, they forget all about the things they used to enjoy and, in a sense, they forget who they were. Giving yourself six hours a week will give you the ability to continue to enjoy all the things in life you enjoyed before kids.

Finally, taking time out for yourself isn’t just for your own benefit, but it’s also for your family’s benefit as well. Once you begin to carve out a little time for yourself every week, you’ll find that you’re in a better mood and less irritable. Your family will enjoy this too. In addition, whether or not you want to admit it, your children, and maybe your husband too, need to learn how to handle things on their own –without you around. Whether you decide to give yourself “me time” an hour every day or 6 hours one day a week, this time away will teach your family how to survive on their own – even if it is just for a little while.

Taking time out for yourself does not make you selfish or a bad mother. Don’t ever let this idea take root in your brain. You need time to yourself so that you can become a better mother. You’ll be more patient and loving as a result. You’ll also be healthier as you won’t be nearly as stressed out. So, do yourself a favor and start taking some “me time!”

Being a mom is certainly one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but when you add all the other roles you play on a daily basis (career woman, wife, cook, chauffeur, teacher and the list goes on and on…), things can become a bit overwhelming.

The good news is that you’re not alone and help is here for you. Through our collection of Real Life Guides, you can find many of the answers you need to help you with all the bumps in the road.

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Running to Relieve Stress

March 21, 2011 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Healthy Living, Stress Management No Comments →

Ask a runner why they run and you might get a variety of reasons. Maybe they needed to lose weight for their health’s sake. Perhaps it was a requirement from being in the military and they decided to continue it. Others began running in school and continue because they enjoy the “runner’s high”. Whatever reason people choose to run, helping to understand why running is a natural stress buster may encourage them to keep running. Many people use running to relieve stress and it works wonders.

Everyone feels stress at one point or another in their lives. Demanding work schedules, problems with relationships, and not taking good care of yourself are just a few of the things which cause stress. While it’s not possible to totally remove stress from your life, running is a natural stress buster you may want to add if you’re faced with too much stress.

The scientific and medical communities have long told of the benefits of exercise for our physical health. Being physically active can also be a boom to our mental health as well.

Stress of any kind causes a huge release of biochemicals into your body which causes your heartbeat to increase, preparing your body for fight or flight. If the body doesn’t react in either fashion, the stress hormone cortisol is released into the body and can cause physical damage to the body. Exercising will approximate the flight response and bring the biochemicals into balance wish will then lower your stress. One way to bring the biochemicals down is to use running to relieve stress that you are feeling.

Running releases endorphins, which are the neurotransmitters producing the runner’s high. They also reduce the sensation of pain which could explain why some runners can run even while injured. Running, because of the release of endorphins, can be seen as a valid treatment for those suffering from depression and may produce better results than drugs or psychotherapy.

If you’re feeling stressed, angry or frustrated, running is a great outlet for releasing pent-up emotions. Running can help take your mind off problems, partially due to its rhythmic nature. Being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air can also do wonders for helping you overcome your frustrations.

One of the most important benefits of running, however, is the improved health you experience. By using running to relieve stress you are mot only providing your body with exercise, you’re also removing damaging chemicals that can physically and mentally harm your body. If you engage in a physical activity on a regular basis, you’re less likely to feel the effects of stress when it tries to worm its way into your life. You may not be entirely free of stress but you’ll notice it much less.

Running is a great activity to help you stay healthy. Now that you know that you can use running to relieve stress, you may be more willing to give it a try. So, who’s ready to tie on their running shoes and bust some stress?

How to Mediate Sibling Rivalry

December 29, 2010 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Children, Stress Management No Comments →

The nice thing about having more than one youngster is that two or more can entertain each other. The bad thing is they tend to fight amongst themselves.

The guidelines in this post will help you step back and remove yourself from some of their conflict. Taking a neutral role may force them to learn how manage differences and get along.

If you find yourself spending a lot of time interceding in your kid’s arguments, then the following tips might save you a few headaches:

1. Teach older kids to respect other views. Help them learn to be good listeners and be sure they understand what the other person wants to say before expressing their own opinions. Emphasize the value of compromise or a win-win approach so that everyone comes away from a dispute feeling respected if not gratified. Model a similar technique in your own conflicts at home or in public so that kids can learn from your example.

2. Mediate stalemates. When you discern that the children are having trouble resolving disagreements, you may want to become a moderator, which is somewhat different from refereeing. A moderator allows all parties to take turns voicing concerns, and then asks questions or makes statements to help the group accept and consider the others’ views. Occasionally the process is time-consuming, depending on the age of the children, but it is more likely to be over in a matter of minutes as the children grow tired of negotiations and look for something more fun to do. Even a little bit of round robin communication can introduce them to fair-minded conflict resolution, a skill of vital importance to adults.

3. Keep your ears open. Even when you decide not to get involved, listen from a distance to find out how they are dealing with tensions. If one threatens or bullies the other, you may need to step in after all. But if they decide to forget it or negotiate to find common ground, even when you don’t completely agree with the outcome, stay out of it. Children will learn from failed consequences as much as they do from effective ones.

4. Divert young kids. Preschoolers who frequently tussle may not be able to discuss much of anything with each other or you, especially when tired or ill. But they can be separated from each other. Sometimes redirecting them to another activity, like a video, can solve the problem instantly.

5. Distinguish between the merely annoying and the truly alarming conflicts. Most children bicker frequently, and moms/dads generally know when it’s serious or not. When you hear screeching voices and crashing items, you know it’s time to get involved. Otherwise, you may want to bite your tongue and let your kids begin to learn how to manage their own disputes. While you have to oversee most young kid’s fights, you gradually can maintain some distance and perspective as kids grow older.

Argument is an essential part of communication, for it allows us to explore other viewpoints and reconsider our own. As your kids mature, give them increasing responsibility for managing differences with others while you, as mother/father, continue to maintain a watchful eye on the proceedings.

For further information about how you can help your teen check out Out of Control  Teen: An online parent-program for those who are struggling with their out-of-control teenagers. Learn cut-to-the-chase parenting strategies that work immediately rather than months or years down the road.

EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques

July 14, 2010 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Stress Management 1 Comment →

Many have been swearing to the amazing breakthrough that EFT, or short for Emotional Freedom Techniques, had given them relief from pains, emotional issues, and other health conditions. Unlike acupuncture, EFT is making a person feel better – minus those stingy needles. EFT Emotional freedom techniques just promise freedom from all negative emotions that we encounter in our daily lives – from anger, guilt, envy, hate, jealousy, grief, sadness, worries, doubts, to fears. This technique is becoming widespread and known as today’s Miracle Cure, helping thousands of people live a happier and healthier life.

In understanding how EFT works, one needs to learn that this practice requires an open mind. If you believe that this technique will work for you, chances are, it will really do. It is not just a placebo effect that makes EFT emotional freedom techiques great for your joy and health, but it seeks to balance one’s energy system like a car needing a tune up. When the body’s energy is displaced, negative emotions and diseases rise up. Together with the bad feeling comes physical pain, headache, and tension that lead to STRESS. What’s great about EFT is that it gives relief in a matter of minutes and the effects can be long-lasting.

How Does EFT Works?

Unlike conventional psychology, EFT emotional freedom techniques suggests that the root cause of all those negative emotions lie within the displacement of the body’s energy system. Because of this, symptoms are relieved through an unusual but methodological way of tapping the fingertips in the points of the body that corresponds to the acupuncture energy meridian points. This tapping is believed to release the blockages made when a person feels or thinks something that is negative. Once the energy is balanced, the memory of the negative emotion or thought may remain, but the negative energy is gone. The person is not only cured of the pain, but he or she becomes aware of how positive experiences, thoughts, and emotions can truly result to natural healing. Unlike the usual way of receiving therapy, EFT makes a person recover faster than all those tracking and testing that traditional psychotherapy makes.

How Did EFT Started?

You may not have heard of EFT emotional freedom techniques before since it is relatively new when it comes to its practice. EFT was born in the 1990′s when Gary Craig, a graduate of an Engineering degree at Stanford, has found personal healing through years of research and training in TFT or Thought Field Therapy conducted by Dr. Roger Callahan.

Unlike placebo effects which require a person to believe in the process, an EFT may even distract a newcomer during the first treatment. Since the process is gentle in nature, there have been no reported side effects to this date. EFT simply helps you target your psychological reversals, which makes you feel that negative emotion when something of the similar nature that made you feel bad comes back and face you in another form. Your learned response to negative situations keep giving you all those bad vibes which is sabotaging your life along the way. What’s great about EFT is that it seeks to target those issues stamped into your subconscious, making you uncover these beliefs you thought you never had. This self-realization is the key to your true healing.

You can learn EFT emotional freedom techniques by yourself through countless books, DVDs, and other resources you can find online. In the end, you can find your natural healing … if you have the will to face your most negative emotions and thoughts buried deep within yourself. Free yourself from your emotional pain and live a happier, healthier life – For Real!

EFT – Emotional Freedom Techniques You can be free from unwanted emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, panic, self-doubt, stress, & sadness… We can show you how. It is an easy to use self-help tool!

Time Saving Tips for Moms

July 12, 2010 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Goals, organizing, Stress Management No Comments →

Do you often find yourself running out of time, running late, or running yourself ragged? Like it or not, we all live by the same rule when it comes to time. It is not infinite. As much as we’d love an extra couple of hours each day or another day added to our week, the fact remains that there are just 24 hours in each day and 7 days in a week. Time continues to tick by at the same rate irregardless of the number of tasks, appointments, and responsibilities you need to pack into those precious minutes. Taking steps to maximize your time will help you relieve the pressure, meet deadlines, and possibly even free up some extra moments to spend with your family and friends.

1) One of the most essential steps you can take to maximize your time is to purchase a planner and use it regularly. Write down any and every important piece of information in your planner including phone numbers, emails, and home addresses. Keeping this information in one location will prevent you from wasting time looking for it when you need it. In addition to being a warehouse for information, use your planner to take note of all deadlines and appointments –even those that seem insignificant. Missed appointments or meetings will quickly consume time as you rush to reach a deadline at the last minute or spend time rescheduling an appointment you forgot.

2) Consolidate your appointments and tasks when possible. If you have several errands to run on the other side of town, do them all at the same time to prevent time lost from driving back and forth. Flexibility is essential when scheduling multiple tasks. You may need to wait an extra week before your next haircut, but it will be well worth it if planning your hair and nail appointments on the same day allows you to free up time to watch your daughter’s softball game.

3) Think (or read) it through before attempting any task. Weather it be volunteering for a fundraising event, building a bookshelf, or writing an article, you will inevitably save time and frustration if you are cognizant of the full instructions or details before starting your project. Knowing ahead of time the step-by-step process, as well as the anticipated end result, will help the process go smoothly and ensure there will be no surprises along the way. Misdirection and getting lost can cause you to lose a great deal of time. Imagine the frustration of finishing a task only to discover the end result is not what was expected causing you to start all over or spend more time than you originally anticipated. Taking just a few extra moments before you begin the project can easily prevent that from happening.

4) Don’t sweat the small stuff. Nothing wastes more time and energy than maintaining a grudge, worrying about things you simply cannot change, or contemplating a multitude of `what ifs?’ If those little details won’t matter in the end anyhow, don’t let them eat away at your precious time. Life is too short to spend time purposely being angry or worrying. Choosing to ignore insignificant details and letting go of grudges will not only help you maximize your own time, it will free your mind and allow you to enjoy living your life.

5) Know your limits and stick to them. If you only have 15 minutes to chat before you need leave for an appointment, make that clear at the beginning of a conversation. If a task is taking longer than you expected, take a few quick moments to figure out why, decide whether additional time is needed, and schedule that time if necessary. Finishing one task at the expense of delaying another is never an effective solution to maximizing your time. Set clear time limits for tasks that easily eat up minutes. Answering emails, surfing the Internet, and chatting on the phone can easily cause you to lose track of time and get behind schedule for the rest of the day. When beginning these tasks, set a time limit and use your watch or cell phone clock to stick to that limit.

6) Maximize your waiting time by keeping a `to do’ bag with you at all times. Fill it with tasks that need to be done, but are not necessarily time sensitive such as thank you notes to be written, recipes to be copied and filed, or possibly even a small article of clothing that may need mending. If you find yourself with free time while waiting for the subway or in line at the DMV, use that time to complete these tasks. Performing these quick tasks while waiting will prevent them from stealing valuable time later.

7) Last, but certainly not least, be certain to take time for your personal time management. Take a few moments each day to organize and administrate your upcoming day. Planning out your day will help you prioritize the tasks that demand your time and will help you decide what to work on and when to work on it. Using the tips from above, plot out each day to ensure each demand on your time receives adequate attention. Stick to your schedule and do your best to complete tasks in the time allowed.

Maximizing your time can be easy and painless using these few simple tips. While you may not be able to add more time into your day, you certainly have the ability to get the most out of the time you do have. Effective time management and prioritization will alleviate some of the hustle and bustle of everyday life allowing you to relax and spend more time participating in activities you enjoy with the ones you love.

Being a mom is extremely rewarding, but it’s challenging. Get the help you need at Real Life Guidance. It’s your place for instant downloadable help for moms, day or night.

Visit Finally Organized – Finally Free  for an amazing collection of 1,300 organizing tips.

Communicate your stress

May 10, 2010 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Stress Management No Comments →

If you are having a problem with stress, you may wander what you can do about it. You are not sure how to make it go away and how to feel relaxed again. If you are having these problems and need to find a way to help the situation, you should take the time to communicate with others so that you can find your way again.

You need to communicate with people that you trust about your stress. If you are having a problem at work, you need to talk it over with your boss or supervisor. You should never go to other employees and tell them the problem. It is very possible that they would spread your concerns to others and this can cause a problem in some instances.
If you are having trouble at work, you may want to ask for some time off.

When stress is building up and you can no longer take it, you may need a few days to regroup and get yourself back on track. You cannot stay in a situation that is making your life miserable. If the few days off do not help, you may want to make a career change instead.

If the problem with stress is coming from a relationship in your life, you need to talk it over with the person. If there is a family member that is making life hard for you, you should confront the problem and talk it over with them. There is no better way to get rid of stress then to communicate it out with someone else.

Stress in the love life can be hard. You may find yourself in a rut and not sure how to get out of it. When this happens, you need to find a way to make it clear to the other person what your stress is coming from. Talk to them and try to figure out a way together how to deal with it. If it is the other person making life hard, you may want to consider distancing yourself from them temporary or permanently so that you can rid your life of unwanted and unneeded stress.

When you are getting your feelings of emotion out in the open, you will have a better chance of relieving your body and mind of all the problems that you are having. Do not be afraid to communicate and talk about stress in your life. You may find that you are going to feel a lot better and your stress may start to disappear.

Sign up now for a free, personal consultation so you can be on the road to reaching your goals, dreams and desires today!

If you’d like to know more about how to increase self confidence and conquer stress, depression and anxiety without taking powerful antidepressant drugs, then grab your 400 Breakthrough Stress Relief Tips today!

5 Ways To Relieve Stress This Weekend

April 30, 2010 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Stress Management No Comments →

In today’s busy world, stress is a real problem for many people throughout the week. There is so much to do both at work and at home and it’s so important for your health to keep stress at bay. Here’s how to make the most of your weekend so you can relax, relieve stress and enjoy living and relieve stress as you do.

Listening to music is another great way to relieve stress and certainly beats watching the garbage dished up on TV these days. Music can inspire, soothe, calm, and excite you and it is one of the greatest pleasures life has to offer in my humble opinion. So why not take in some live music? Whether your tastes lie in classical, opera, jazz, blues or R&B, you’ll be able to find somewhere that caters to your taste. Or, you could just schedule some time to sit down and listen to your favorite CD’s in the comfort of your home – maybe have a relaxing soak in the tub as you do? It’s such a great way to relieve stress, so make it a part of your stress-busting weekend.

How about involving all of the family in your weekend of stress relief? A picnic is a great day out for all of the family. Zoos, theme parks, the beach, the lakes are places all of the family will enjoy but you don’t have to venture afar to enjoy a picnic. You could enjoy a picnic in the comfort of your garden, maybe even fire up the barbecue while you’re at it? Your picnic, your call, just make sure all the family are involved in preparing the food so they feel part of it.

Why not take full advantage of the free time the weekend brings by doing something new? You could visit a new town or village, a park, a museum, or even a new restaurant or a coffee shop. You could go watch some sport, or even take up a new sport or hobby. This will broaden your horizons and will keep life fresh and interesting as well as helping to relieve stress.

Why not spend a cosy night indoors with your lover and cook a special dinner? A great idea is to try different cuisines – be as exotic as you dare! This is time for indulging your relationship so leave the stressful stuff like work elsewhere. Make the effort to dress for dinner and have candles and relaxing music in the background to create a nice ambience. I know one couple who’ve done this at least once a month for more than 30 years and they say it’s one of the main reasons for their success. Try it, I have and it is a great way to bust stress and improve your relationship.

Take a timeout and spend a day or two completely away from the firing line. Go somewhere tranquil, somewhere you can take walks or cycle rides to take in the scenery and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the place. Lakes, a beach, a park, the countryside – whatever you enjoy. Just leave your cares and worries behind and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

You can use these tips to help you make the most of your weekends and relieve stress as you do. Why not give them a try this weekend?

Why make yourself crazy? Grab your 400 Breakthrough Stress Relief Tips now and get that breakthrough program that relieves the symptoms of stress and eliminates the causes, actually reversing the stressful habits, attitudes and mindsets you’ve developed over the course of your life!

Use Music & Laughter to Reduce Stress

April 23, 2010 By: Real Life Solutions Category: Stress Management No Comments →

Use Music to Reduce Stress

Studies have shown that music does soothe the savage beast.  In fact, among other things, it lowers your blood pressure and, depending upon the music you’ve chosen, can bring back fond memories of a time long ago.

Imagine sitting in your office with a mound of paperwork on your desk, and you are just staring at it wondering where to begin. You put a CD into your player and the music erases all unpleasant and stressful thoughts from your mind, and you attack the pile of papers with a renewed purpose.

Perhaps you are a stay at home mom, and the kids are particularly unruly this day. Pop a CD into your unit; one that is lively and one of your favorites. You will feel a sudden change in your temperament; and the worries of the day will slowly dissipate.  Or maybe you are driving home from work; and the traffic is bumper to bumper. With a two hour stretch ahead, you put on a classical CD and feel the pressure slowly drop. By the time you arrive home, you are calm and relaxed.

Music not only appeals to the senses, but counteracts any negative thought. Try listening to an all time classic like Frank Sinatra, and then at the same time, try to think of an incident that caused you stressed that particular day – you can’t. Why? Because his music will undoubtedly bring you back to a time which held loving memories; especially when you first heard a particular song.

Imagine if you will a teacher trying to control a classroom. This is a prime stressor. After the class has ended, the teacher’s blood pressure may be elevated. He walks down to the main office in a state of angst.  Suddenly, he hears Johnny Mathis being played, and he remembers when he first attended his concert.  He pauses; and just listens. Immediately, you notice his body language change from a tense posture to relaxing state. Then, as if by magic, he is suddenly transported to the concert and a smile appears on his face.  He can now return to his next class fondly remembering the words to the music.

Music can and does reduce stress. It is a universal language which is comprised of sounds and vibrations in which the mind sends messages to the body; telling it to relax; enjoy and savor the moment.

Laughter: The Ultimate Stress Reducer

Someone tells you a joke; you laugh so hard you begin to cry.  Perhaps this uncontrollable laughter goes on for several minutes.  Did you feel the tension dissipate? What you are experiencing is a release of the stress you’ve been carrying for days.  The old adage, “Laughter is the best medicine,” is true. 

You may be surprised to know that laughter is equivalent to fifteen minutes on an exercise bike.  It not only lowers the blood pressure, but increases the endorphins in your body which contributes to a healthier immune system.

Life is hard; why make it harder?  If you can determine what makes you laugh; whether it’s going to a comedy club; surrounding yourself with funny people; watching a comedy on TV, or simply reading a book of jokes, you will be amazed how laughter can improve your physical and emotional well-being. Laughter actually distracts you from the underlying stress, and brings you to a balanced and calm state. It is, as they say, infectious.

It is important to laugh as much and as often as you can.  It is the cure-all for stress, frustration and, in some cases, depression. Perhaps you’ve used the expression, “One day we will remember this, and laugh our heads off.”  By having a positive attitude and using laughter as a mechanism to celebrate life, instead of stressing over it; you’ll become healthier and less vulnerable when confronting negative events.

“Laugh and the world laughs with you….” With so much going on in the world today, laughter is a precious commodity we all need to get through a day.  As you go through your daily routine, find something to laugh about. Look at the bright side; laugh until it hurts.  You may not have control over certain aspects of your life, but you can control the stress. Laughter is your secret weapon to beating stress.  

Here is a little story which truly expresses how you perceive the proverbial cup; Is it half full, or half empty? “One day as I sat lonely and without a friend, a little bird came to rest upon my shoulder and said, “Cheer up; things could be worse.” So I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse.”

Whether you are confronted with an annoying co-worker; a dictatorial boss; a demanding husband or wife; unruly kids; a deadline which is impossible to meet; an appointment missed; a flat tire; a burnt dinner; you get the picture, right? What’s important and overrides everything else in life is the state of your health, your well-being, and your ability to cope with whatever life dishes out.  Laughter; a cure for whatever ails you!

If you’d like to know more about how to increase self confidence and conquer stress, depression and anxiety without taking powerful antidepressant drugs, then grab your 400 Breakthrough Stress Relief Tips today!