Wednesday Wellness: Stress Reduction and Another Winner!

Well, we've been making our beds for some time now, and taking steps to do the things we've been putting off. How do you feel about yourself at this point? Don't worry if you haven't been perfect. Anything you've accomplished is progress.

Great job!

Now we're going to reduce a little stress. Take a look at your day. When do you get the most stressed? For me, it's mornings. I try to get up early enough to allow time for the unexpected, but sometimes those challenges knock your day off track. Here are some things that have derailed my plans in the past:

• Stray cat threw up on the hood of my car. Grossly unexpected, and I had to stop and deal with it even though I was running late. 
• Project took much longer than anticipated.
• Short phone calls that took too long. 
• Forgot something important at home (like my cell phone) and had to run back. 
• Spent time looking for a misplaced document. 

Some of these things (stray cat, longer projects, etc.) were, and continue to be, out of my control. I needed a plan to take care things within my power to change. 

I decided I didn't have time to look for misplaced documents at work. I purchased an alphabetized accordion file and put all loose documents in according to last name. I save hours of panicked searching every month with this simple system. 

I also now choose to prepare everything I need for the next day the night before. No more changing outfits because a button is missing, or running home for my cell phone. It also helps me leave early, so I can deal with things like feral felines. 

These organizing efforts have reduced my stress by an unbelievable degree. I've also discovered that when I begin the day feeling less stress, I'm more confident, feel more in control, and have better self-esteem.

What are you going to try to reduce your stress? Remember to 

• Choose something within your control.
• Find a solution that is inexpensive and fairly simple to implement. 
• Post a comment about your challenge, what you're going to do, or asking a question!

Comments posted here qualify you for the next drawing of a $25 Amazon gift card in March!

Wondering about the current winner? It's Sarah H, who posted a comment on Facebook! Congratulations!

Wellness Wednesday: A Winner and Preventing Procrastination

And the winner of the lovely scarf is (drum roll, please!) Aleck Featherston! I'm sure his lovely wife will enjoy wearing the scarf!

How did everyone do making your beds last week? I had one extremely busy day, so I was very tempted to skip it. I just told myself that it was only three minutes, and immediately felt more in control afterwards.

This month we're going to focus on continuing to improve our surroundings in ways that will set our minds at rest, help us feel more organized, and bring more peace into our lives.

While we continue making our beds, we're going to attempt one project this week (of course, you're welcome to do more!).

Think about your house. What is the one thing you've avoided doing for months, or possibly years? This doesn't have to be something major, like a remodeling project. It could be a drawer that hasn't been cleaned out in a while. Or an overlooked closet. Maybe it's patching nail holes, or going through your closet to throw away clothing you haven't worn in a while. It could be a phone call to take care of a challenging personal situation.This task doesn't have to be something that takes a week, or even an entire day. It just needs to be a project you've procrastinated.

Why do we procrastinate? I know I tend to put off things that make a big mess or are difficult or unpleasant. When I'm stalling, I tell myself I don't have time now, but will be able to tackle it later. Then the chore becomes bigger and bigger in my mind until I start to think it will take too much mental and/or physical energy to get it done. So, I put it off more.

What's the big deal? Not only do you have things left undone, but every time you see the results of letting them go, you feel badly about yourself. It's a failure reminder. It reinforces all your negative self-talk.

I cleaned out a cluttered cabinet at work. It cleared my head, made me feel much less stressed, and gave me back some control. Doing the actual organizing wasn't nearly as unpleasant as I thought it would be, and it took much less time than I had predicted. I bet it will be the same for you!

So, get after that job this week. If it's huge, like a messy closet, just do one shelf. Then, look at your completed task every day. Pat yourself on the back and remember how amazing you are. It will encourage you to do more, and your self-esteem will shoot up!

Leave a comment to share how the bed making went and what your project is for this week for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card.