[MORTARDUDE]

~~ THE TOP 10 SECRETS TO A STRESS-FREE PERSONAL LIFE ~~

1. Create boundaries.
Boundaries reflect what other people can or cannot do or
say to you, for instance, "I am only able to listen to you
when you speak calmly without shouting." This will leave
you feeling protected from hurtful situations.

2. Ask people to help you.
Choose 3 things today that you can receive help with and
ask for it. You will have less to cope with and get done, can
stop being a hero who does it all and leave the other person
feeling important with a sense of responsibility

3. Quiet your mind at least once a day.
Concentrate on your breathing and let all of your thoughts
go. You will then be able to listen fully to what your body is
telling you and act more on your intuition and what's right
for you.

4. Explore and experience your feelings fully.
For example, when you feel sad allow yourself to be sad rather
than try to pick yourself up and pretend it doesn't manner.
It's okay to feel sad, happy, frustrated...accepting your feelings
rather than fighting them helps you to know where in your life
to make changes and reduce stress.

5. Plan a fun activity every day.
It can be for just 5 minutes or as long as you want such as
watching a comedy, dancing, a water-pistol fight with friends....
You will have something to look forward to each day, keeping
fun and balance in your life.

6. Communicate your feelings using the statement "I feel...."
Such as, "I feel unimportant when you don't telephone me
during the day." You will feel less conflict as you are owning
your feelings and talking about the other person's behavior,
not them personally.

7. Write in your journal every day.
Find a time that works best for you, maybe first thing in the
morning or last thing at night and write about your thoughts,
feelings, ideas, stressful situations.... You will safely explore
and clarify your life and priorities, enabling you to make
choices and to take action based on these.

8. Take time for yourself on a regular basis.
Perhaps you might take a long bath, read, have quiet time
alone or whatever feels good for you. You will feel good
about yourself and more relaxed and energized to enjoy
your life more fully.

9. Use the words "Would you..." when asking for things.
For example, "Would you look after my plants while I am
on holiday?" You are more likely to achieve a 'yes' as the
other person is left feeling capable and having a choice
rather than being told to what to do.

10. Show your appreciation.
Every day tell someone that you appreciate them, "I
appreciate the way you've supported me through this
emotional time." We all need to feel appreciated and
showing appreciation to others will allow you to live
in a more loving way.

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