By Fran Bishop

While stress (the type that spurs us on to complete projects and motivate us to the finish line) is a natural and often beneficial part of our lives, we can learn to minimize small day-to-day stresses that can create major frustrations in our lives. Recreational therapist, Cathy Allen, CTRS, says that too much stress can be harmful, making you sick and irrational (no, not me!).

In my coaching practice, I see that even though exercise can help reduce and manage stress, stress is often an inhibitor to actually doing the exercise. In an interview, Ms. Allen shares 15 tips for minimizing stress (including, of course, exercise!):

Wake up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning to avoid running late throughout your day.

Be prepared to wait: a magazine or book can make a wait in a line or at the doctor’s office tolerable and almost pleasant.

Prepare and plan ahead: fill the gas tank before it nears empty, and buy postage stamps before you are running low.

Say “No!” to extra projects, social activities, and invitations you know you don’t have the time or energy for.

Do something kind and helpful for somebody else.

Eliminate destructive self-talk, such as “I’m too old to . . .” “I’m too tired to . . .” etc.

Use your weekend for a change of pace. If your workweek is slow and patterned, add action and spontaneity into your weekends. If your workweek is fast-paced and full of people and deadlines, seek peace and solitude during your days off.

Everyday allow yourself “15 minutes of free” time for privacy, quiet, leisure, and relaxation.

Be optimistic - hold a forgiving view of events and people. Accept that we live in an imperfect world and that most people are doing the best they can.

Fran is the founder and CEO of Aerobodies Inc. a provider of wellness and work/life balance solutions.
She is an award winning coach, writer and master trainer with a 15-year track record in leadership, teambuilding and public speaking.
To read more about Fran go to:
www.aerobodies.com/fbishop.html

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