To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.
Ten signals that tell you when it’s time to stop and listen
Published January 26, 2011 | 
It’s time to listen when:
- Your body is run down and coming down with a cold.
- Your child is acting up.
- Your attention is scattered.
- You feel there is too much to do and too little time.
- You are not sleeping well at night.
- A few unwanted pounds have snuck up on you.
- You’re not sure of the person looking backing at you in the mirror.
- Your eyes are bleary eyed from so much time on the computer or television.
- You are forgetting little things or misplacing things.
- You’re not sure what fresh air feels like anymore.
It just might be time to stop, take a break, and just listen.
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Posted in anxiety, Depression, Happiness, stress | 
burned out, listen, stop and take a break, stress, taking care of yourself | 
Leave a commentHow can I be kind to myself today? A journal writing exercise
Published November 30, 2010 | 
We all have a basic need for love, nurturing, and kindness. It starts with taking care of ourselves. I think it is especially important during stressful or challenging times to make an exra effort to step back, ease up on ourselves, and just be gentle.
I am experiencing one of those challenging times myself right now. Although I have a lot of absolutely wonderful things going on, I am also a school teacher- and if any of you are in public education you may be able to relate that it is just not easy right now. Many of my colleagues and myself included are feeling quite beaten down already and it is not even Christmas yet. I also have a thirteen year old daughter whose mood swings can be stressful on the whole family.
As a centering tool, I like to journal in the morning. Sometimes I focus on gratitude, or a particular intention I want to set for my day. This morning I am feeling the need to focus on ways to be kind to myself. I give so much of myself to my students during my work day. I know I will have more to offer them (and my family later in the evening) if I take this time now.
So, getting out my journal, my entry would look something like this.
I am going to be kind to myself today. I set an intention now to:
- take this time now for my journal writing before getting dressed for work.
- don’t rush on my drive this morning (I have a 25 mile commute).Enjoy my XM radio.
- Breathe deep and slowly.
- Walk into my school building knowing that I am a terrific teacher. I will smile with the thought of it.
- Enjoy my students. Don’t worry about the other stuff.
- Actually take my lunch time for myself rather than working through it.
- Do not bring work home this evening.
- Take a nice walk on the beach this afternoon when I am home from work.
- Know that I am enough and I am doing my best.
- Take a bath tonight.
- Work on writing my wedding vows (I am getting married in March).This always makes me happy.
- Prepare a delicious fish dinner tonight while listening to my jazz music and drinking my Pinot Noir.
I will stop there but I am feeling better already.
Now, you do it : )
I wish you, my dear friends, a wonderful day!
Debra : )
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Ten ways to keep yourself balanced
Published November 13, 2010 | 
Staying balanced has many benefits: improved health, greater satisfaction at work, happier relationships, less anxiety, and better sleep.
Here are ten Ways to keep balanced:
- Learn to say no
- Accept the fact that you will never pleae everyone so you do not even need to try!
- Take mental breaks throughout your day
- Get outdoors at least once a day.
- Always have a healthy snack available to keep your blood sugar steady (I always have almonds in my purse or car).
- Deep down you know what you need. If you need social interaction, get yourself out there! If you need solitude then hole up in your nest unapologetically and come out when you are ready to.
- Minimize your exposure to the media and negative people.
- Read things that inspire you.
- Do something nice for someone else at least once a day.
- Write in your journal.
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Ten things to put on your “to do” list tonight
Published September 30, 2010 | 
A happy “to do” list:
- Smile
- Think of one thing that went well today.
- Hug and kiss your spouse or partner when you walk through that door.
- Watch a funny movie tonight.
- Dance
- Pour a glass of wine
- Take a bath
- Go online and splurge on some fun items: massage oils, bath oils, high quality linens. You’re worth it!
- Plan a vacation
- Read a book for pleasure.
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Posted in lists, Positive living, stress | happy, having fun, pampering yourself, taking care of yourself, to do lists | Leave a comment 
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