<B>It almost seems as if this column was written for us on this forum. Thought I'd share it</B><P>Column By Zig Ziglar<BR>---------------------<P>Five Steps To An Almost Stress-Free Life By Zig Ziglar<P>You are late for work and your eight-year-old is screaming that she can't find her homework; you are late leaving the office and now traffic is backed up for miles; you burned dinner and your family is waiting for something to eat; the hot water tank just blew; the garage door opener won't work; your favorite goldfish died...<P>Stress!<P>Can you feel it? Just reading that first paragraph loads you up with stress, doesn't it? Countless situations throughout our day lead to stress. And that's not good, say the experts. <P>However, we're not going to tell you how to get rid of your stress because a stress-free person is a dead person! And neither of us wants that for you! Instead, what we're going to do today is share a few quick ideas to show you how to handle the stress that comes your way every day.<P>1. First, understand that stress is a perception. It's your perception of how you view a particular situation that causes stress. The good news is, perceptions can be changed! To do so, stop putting your energy into changing the situation (or the other person) and start putting your energy into changing how you view the situation or person.<P>Look for something positive in every stressful situation. By doing so, you'll find yourself feeling differently about the moment. You might even find a reason to laugh at what's happening!<P>2. Exercise your stress away. When you are feeling overwhelmed, take a quick, five-minute walk. Walk the hallways or walk around your building or your neighborhood. In five minutes or less you will feel yourself go "Ahhhh," and you can go back to work with renewed energy.<P>3. Find a relaxing escape. Whether it's a hobby, cooking, listening to music, or whittling sticks, do it! At least three times a week, do whatever relaxes you.<P>For some people, playing with children is relaxing. It lets them escape to the world of the child where there are no real problems! Of course, playing with your own children benefits them and you! <P>4. Keep self-talk positive. Research says that 80% of self-talk is negative. Well, that's enough to stress you out right there! You hear people say, "I can't do this," "I don't have the time," "I don't have the experience (education, etc.),"<P>"This will never work." All of that negative talk creates more stress! This doesn't mean you should never look at the negative side of things; it merely suggests that you remain positive when you're evaluating those negative things.<P>5. Do something for someone else. Find someone who has more problems than you have, or someone who's facing a major obstacle in life. Help that person. Listen to that person. In no time you will forget your problems and your stress will be reduced. By helping someone else you help yourself to feel better.<P>Follow these steps and you will discover that you can handle your stress much more successfully.<P><B>Note from Hopefull_1: Things still not going well at our house. Prayers appreciated. On the positive side, nobody has moved out yet.</B><BR>
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