100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 52 – Have Goals For Yourself
30 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Don't procrastinate, Challenges, proactivity, contentment, bad habits, Stress, ADHD, ADD, keeping goals, setting goals, good habits, wallpaper, kitchens
The one thing I desire a lot in this life, is not just to have goals, but to keep them. I suffer with extreme ADHD and I’m growing older by the minute! So, setting goals isn’t the problem – keeping them is. But I know the value of goal setting and the success which keeping them can bring.
I read an article recently on goal setting. It said the best goals are those you make which have an emotional attachment. That makes sense.
Maybe that’s my problem.
Perhaps my goals, which I’m finding most difficult to keep, are those that don’t really mean anything to me. I just repainted my kitchen and put up a pretty floral wallpaper. I struggled to finish the goal because it wasn’t the paint color choice or wallpaper pattern choice I wanted. Those belonged to someone else living in my house. I wonder, if they had been MY choices, would that have motivated me to get it done quicker rather than dragging on for weeks?
I think this is a great concept in setting and keeping goals. Make sure they are MY goals and not those of another. Oh, there’s nothing really wrong with setting goals which please and satisfy others. That’s a great part of life to do for others what they can’t or won’t do for themselves.
Another important aspect of goal setting is the fact that they bring focus into our lives and give us purpose. This is a super tip for those who suffer with ADHD. The one thing we struggle with a lot is lack of focus. If you have it, you know what I mean.
Some basic tips on goal setting:
Make them specific
Make them realistic
Make them yours
That’s all for now. Happy goal setting (and keeping)!
Do you have a second birthday?
13 Dec 2011 2 Comments
On a day entered from eternity in God’s private calendar, my heart is due to stop beating. When or how it will happen, I do not know. All I know is that some day, some way, my heart will stop, and what the world will call my death-day will really be a birthday – my THIRD birthday! What were my other two birthdays? #1 was when I left the womb, to see and feel and feed and shout as an inhabitant of this physical world; #2 was when I came from spiritual darkness twenty-two years later to see and feel and feed and shout about God’s salvation and Christ’s love for me. By “birthday.” you see, I mean not an anniversary but a day that sees me start enjoying gifts of God such as I had never before imagined. Said D. L. Moody, “Someday they’ll tell you Moody’s dead. Don’t you believe it! That day I’ll be before the throne; I’ll be more alive than I’ve ever been.” That is why my death-day will truly be a birthday. (Borrowed from Growing in Christ by J. I. Packer)
Everyone alive has at least one birthday. Do you have a second birthday? A time when you put your complete trust in the free gift of salvation offered in love to every living person? If you don’t, you will never have the opportunity to enjoy a third birthday in heaven with God.
100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 51 – Stop Thinking Tomorrow Will be a Better Day
04 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: acceptance, contentment, Stress reduction
When I’m faced with discouragement, I tend to live in the realm of “Someday”. Someday things will be different. Someday I’ll be financially secure. Someday my health will be better. But as time rolls on, I realize that Someday isn’t even a day on my calendar. There’s Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – but no Someday.
Sometimes my attitude is like the parrot who felt as if he wanted freedom from his cage and all he could say was, “I can’t get out! I can’t get out!” Sitting next to the parrot in another cage was a canary, also entrapped, but who had accepted her confinement and sang sweetly at the top of her lungs. I want to be like that canary. There are times when I think I know better than God, and I feel as if I’m trapped in my unpleasant circumstances when all along God has me right where He wants me – the place where I can learn most to trust Him and bring Him glory.
This morning God lovingly showed me again His plan is perfect for my life – TODAY. I don’t need to look forward to Someday but what I really need is to look forward to today and what God would have me to do now. Even though I may not be fully content with my present circumstances, I can be thankful and rejoice in them if I accept where God has me today. This is a great stress reliever from the greatest Stress Reducer.
On Being a Writer…
07 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: inspiration, journaling, Writing
I’m a writer by design. God’s design. I’ve always enjoyed writing imaginative stories as a young person, making up new words and embellishing tales. There’s just something within me that feels a need to be expressive when I write or talk. Writing words down on paper is a wonderful and cathartic release of pent up emotions too. A writer really doesn’t even always need “readers” either. A writer can write whenever and wherever they want. If I want to privately journal or write a story on my laptop, I can do that. No one even has to read it. A writer MUST write. A writer doesn’t feel fulfilled unless they are writing something. That’s all there is to it.
A true writer will work around difficult circumstances or people who seek, either knowingly or unknowingly, to thwart their writing efforts. I’ve often thought if I go blind in my old age, I could still write. If the entire Bible was written down by men of old from Godly inspiration, then I certainly could hire a secretary to pen whatever inspired words may come from my heart and mind.
Whatever life throws at us, and sometimes life can be pretty cruel, we must always remember to use our God-given gifts and talents to the best of our ability and in spite of various trials and tribulations. To not do so, is to waste precious time and talents when we could be encouraging someone else who might be struggling on this journey of life.
I don’t know what your gift, talent or even unfulfilled dream is, but if you have laid them aside, for whatever reason, pick them up again and use them for the benefit of mankind. We’re only here on this earth for a very short time.
I’m back!
04 Jun 2011 5 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: His word, Stress, trusting in God
Allow me to apologize to my followers for not being as faithful as I should be with this blog. Due to some pressing circumstances in my life, I sort of “dropped out” of the writing scene for a while. During that time, God has been working in my heart and teaching me many things.
As most of you may know, I am a Christian. I am a blood-washed, born again, child of God through no means of myself but through the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ. It’s as simple as that and as complicated. I don’t mean to imply salvation is complicated because it isn’t. When we are drawn to Christ, and we see ourselves as sinners before a holy God, it’s as simple as putting our full trust in Him to save our souls and make us ready for heaven.
Salvation was not as easy for Christ as it was for me. He is the one who had to suffer through an agonizing death on a cruel cross. I had to die as well, but only spiritually, to myself and my own life. But I’m sure glad I did die! For this past Wednesday, it was 39 glorious years that I’ve first placed my trust in Christ and asked Him to save me. I have never one time regretted that decision. God has been teaching me lately that I need not only to put my full trust in Him for salvation of my soul but in every way and circumstance of my life. We all have many worries, doubts, fears, stresses and anxieties, but these are killers and unnecessary.
I met a sweet Christian lady yesterday in a store, and she began to confide in me how stressful her life is. With work, family and health issues, she was beside herself with worry. I tried to encourage her heart by sharing some of the lessons I’ve been learning about trust. But I thought about it later that since she is a professing believer in Christ, she already HAS her answer to her worries and stress! One very valuable tool in our tool belt that God has so graciously given to His children – His Word, and the fact that He cannot lie and if I choose to worry or doubt His word, then I’m calling Him a liar.
Allow me to let God tell you from His word: Casting ALL your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 and, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. If you truly believe these promises, then it doesn’t matter what circumstance or trial comes into your life, God will help you, and He cannot lie.
Are you fully trusting God for not only salvation but every moment of your day? This is the only way to live a life full of joy, peace and contentment in the face of stress and adversity.
100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 50 – Stop a Bad Habit
06 Apr 2011 7 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: bad habits, caffeine, overeating, Stress reduction
I have to admit – I have some bad habits. I suppose we all do. But the bad thing about having a bad habit is that we try to reduce stress in our lives with those habits. Overeating or consuming too much caffeine, to name just two deadly demons, are often used as anti-stress reducers. They may work for the moment, but they can cause adverse reactions in our system.
But I also must admit, those two things never reduce my stress, even though I use them sometimes to do that. They actually ADD to my stress. I think it’s a good thing to remember that what we sow, we reap. Bad habits can certainly produce a crop of deadly fruit in our lives.
Please know, when I am writing this to hopefully help YOU, I am also pointing a finger at myself.
I don’t want to look to any bad habit I may have as a stress reducer. Take drinking too much coffee for example. It has been proven that caffeine is a drug. Do we honestly think a drug will help us reduce stress?
I think not.
Or, overeating. My, my…this bad habit has many, many harmful side affects. I know. I have used this one for years to try to ease stress in my life. I don’t want to do these things any longer. I am going to seek God’s help to turn away from these bad habits as possible stress reducers and turn TO God who ultimately is the only One who can reduce my stress on a permanent basis.
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee. Psalm 55:22
100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 49 – Do a brand new thing
01 Apr 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: education, Learning, stress relief
When I was thirteen, I had to have major back surgery to correct scoliosis. After lying in a hospital bed for almost 6 weeks, when I finally received permission to get out of bed, I found I couldn’t walk. My muscles had forgotten how to do so, and I had to relearn the skill of walking.
Our bodies are amazing, and it’s so true what we don’t use, we lose. If we rest, we rust, to quote some old clichés. But have you ever stopped to think that our brain needs exercise as well especially as we age? The suggestion to relieve stress for today is to do a brand new thing. I can only assume that if we learn something new every day, it will help us age better mentally by keeping us more alert and active.
Joi Sigers has a wonderful blog post with many great points regarding exercising our brains. Check it out here: http://www.thementalfitnesscenter.com/blog/the-benefits-of-learning-something-new-every-day/.
Eccl. 1:9 tells us – there is no new thing under the sun. I’m sure that is true but there are many new things TO US that can be learned. Why not challenge yourself to learn at least one new thing every day in an area of your interest? If you enjoy gardening – learn something new about soil. If you are a writer – learn something new about how to write a better query letter. If you enjoy cooking – learn something new about using herbs and spices.
You get the point.
The list of new things about topics of interest to us is unending so get out there TODAY and learn something new! It will bring joy to your heart and alertness to your mind.
100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 48 – Read a book curled up in bed
20 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: 1 Peter 5:7, reading, relaxation, Stress reduction, stress relief, the Bible
Ah, the stress relief that comes from reading a book in bed. It gives such a feeling of comfort. It has been said that our mind seems to “shift gears” when we are reading a book. That’s why it relaxes us just before retiring. Some other benefits to reading are:
- Enhances smarts
- Reduces stress
- Brings greater tranquility
- Improves analytical thinking
- Increases vocabulary
- Improves memory
- Helps priorities goals
- Improves writing skills
How about reading something like this before retiring? “Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.” That’s from the best book I know to read before bed – the Bible, from 1 Peter 5:7. It, as no other book can, has the power to soothe a weary, discouraged soul.
Some more wonderful words from the best book to read to relieve stress just before retiring from Psalm 23:1-2: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Why not try some reading before bed tonight and see if you aren’t more relaxed.
What drives me to blog? To lift the discouraged and bring joy to the Father.
Read more about the benefits of reading at http://lifedev.net/2009/06/reading-makes-you-better/.
100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 47 – Watch a ballet
19 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: ballet, dance, fluidity, litheness, Stress reduction
To be honest – watching a ballet is not my cup of tea. But the fluidity and litheness of the human body is to be commended when one realizes these movements are only accomplished after years of practice and dedication. One study says, “audiences (of ballet) can experience physical and imaginative effects of movement without actually moving their bodies; that is, spectators can react in certain respects as if they were moving, or preparing to move.”
I can understand from that quote how watching a ballet could then be a stress reliever. As the ballerina appears to “float” across the stage to beautiful, relaxing classical music, we also seem to float with her as we watch. I could certainly use more fluidity and gracefulness in my life. Perhaps I wouldn’t stumble over my own feet so often.
Most ballets I’ve managed to observe seem to be set to a love theme, and we all know that showing love can relieve stress. Hmmmm, maybe there is some benefit from watching ballet after all.
What drives me to blog? To lift the discouraged and bring joy to the Father.
Quote from: http://www.watchingdance.org/about_us/
100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 46 – Listen to a symphony
17 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Mozart, Stress reduction, symphony, Vivaldi
Who has time for classical music?
It is well known that music helps us to relax, puts us in a better mood and gathers control of our thoughts and emotions. The old saying, “Music soothes the savage breast” is one of truth.
I have a family member, who shall remain unnamed, who is a person filled with fear and worry. She often tells me when she feels the worst, she lays upon her bed and listens to a particular cd. Debussy, Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, even though they have long passed from this earth, still fill the air surrounding her bed and help her to relax. She plays it often.
How often do you visit the dentist or doctor and find they are quietly playing a classical piece in the background? They know people get stressed when they visit them so they do all they can to help them relax. If I’m in a doctor’s office, and I hear rock music playing, I know the staff doesn’t have a clue. Gourmet food stores play classical music so you will take your time shopping and buy more.
“It’s the gate-control theory of pain where the same neurological pathways that conduct pain also bring music to the brain. Our bodies have a hard time doing both at the same time,” says Kathleen Murphy, a board-certified music therapist. And scientists have shown that making and listening to music can, among other things, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase the amount of air you take into your lungs, release endorphins and hormones, block pain, increase immune response and regulate breathing.”
Now hear this?
“Singing, in particular, has been shown to directly affect our physiological responses. It can be used to spark the cough reflex in the bedridden, who have a hard time clearing the mucus from their lungs. Singing might even help to ward off some mild illnesses. In one study, led by Robert Beck at Lawrence University, the antibody immunoglobin A, which fights illness, increased by between 150 and 240 percent in saliva after choral singing, while the “stress” hormone cortisol decreased by about a third.”
I think it’s wonderful how our Creator designed our human body to respond to soothing music. So, go play some Vivaldi watch your stress level drop. Bach in a minute!
Quotes taken from: http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/ask_pediatrican/Listening_and_learning_can_create_a_symphony_of_benefits_.html
