 |
| In the arms of friendship, stress is forgotten. |
1.
Remember the compassion within your heart. Take
time to write a thank you note to someone just for being them. Surprise a
friend with your friendship.
2.
Learn something new today. A poem, a song; learn
a dance step or a card trick. Stress is reduced when our minds rejoice in their
ability to learn.
3.
Be creative today. Paint, journal, blog, plant
something. Make a sandwich.
4.
Get physical. Exercise of any level helps blood
move and awakens our senses. Do what you can—a little or a lot. Tap your
fingers to music—anything. Love your body and its abilities.
5.
Make a list of heroes. Who in your life has made
a difference? How did you grow because of your relationship with them? Were
they a teacher? A member of the clergy? A co-worker? Maybe you have many! Write
all of their names down and celebrate your relationships.
6.
Feel. Stress often comes about due to our
tendencies to shove difficult feelings aside. But feelings don’t go away. They
might hide in your stomach, your neck and shoulders, your head. Feelings are a
part of our life. Make friends with all of them. Say, “Hello, sadness. I see
you’ve come by for a visit. What shall we talk about…well, it’s time for you to
go now.”
7.
Watch a comedy. Laughing releases all kinds of
great endorphins, chemicals, and energy. Watch cartoons (the really good
classic ones!). Or an episode of your favorite old sitcom like Seinfeld or something.
8.
Meditate, pray, or take a trip into nature.
Remember that your life is part of an immense and wondrous world. Listen to
your inner spirit; listen to your breath. Be quiet and still. Count ants or
pine trees or stars. Be thrilled at the world.
9.
Let go of something that has led to stress. A
memory of anger, hurt, or sadness. Write it a good-bye note and be done with
it. Liberate yourself from one thing that has been lingering.
10. Clean
a messy garage or junk drawer. Put something in order. Throw away useless
papers or other items. Tidy up!
11. Donate
something today. Your time, or ability to fix a bike or make chili. Bring joy
to someone’s life. Give someone a smile. Open the door for someone you don’t
know.
12. Start
a book or see a movie that you’ve been thinking about. It might be a book or
film that you’ve seen before—a favorite—or you might take a gamble on something
new. Make learning something new an adventure!
13. Write
the title of your autobiography. What would the story of your life be called?
Then outline the names of the book’s chapters. What would Chapter 1 be? Chapter
2? What Chapter are you in now? What will be next? It’s YOUR story, so make it
anything you want it to be!
14. Read
or write some long overdue greeting cards. Write a thank you note.
15. Call
an old friend. Just say, “Hi! I was just thinking about you.” Bring a
conversation of friendship to someone. Oftentimes, giving someone something
relieves stress. Stress, our new friend, has to make room for our other friend,
Generosity.
16. Go
to the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Art Museum, Frederick Meijer Gardens, or
some other place where you can see great art. Be blown away by creativity. Have
fun; people watch!
17. Go
to one of the malls or a park and
watch kids play. Watching children
reminds us of how miraculous life is.
18. Set
some goals. Maybe just one for today, maybe for the week or for the year.
Remember that your life is a journey. Plan a route. All kinds of obstacles may
come your way (that happens to everyone), but always have a plan!
