As the holidays approach our stress level increases.  How can we cope?  We can get through with three important steps; 1. exercise, 2. exercise, 3. exercise. 

You read that right, to deal with stress we need to 1. exercise our physical bodies, 2. exercise our minds and 3. exercise our faith.

1. Exercise our physical bodies: Physical exercise does wonders at alleviating stress.  Walking, stretching, lifhting weights, playing with the children all release endorphins into our bodies which make us less stressed.

2. Exercise our minds: Reading is a great exercise for our brains.  It also something I struggle to do regular.  When we exercise our minds, i.e. read, we become smarter and carry less stress.  Read any good books or blogs lately.  BTW, reading articles on ESPN does not count.  Read something relevant, perhaps even the Bible.

3. Exercise our Faith: We exercise our faith through prayer and worship.  Often when we are stressed we stop attending church.  We also forget to pray.  The times we are stressed are when we need prayer and worship most.  Prayer and worship is about giving thanks to God which takes our focus off ourselves.  Get to church and exercise your faith.

To cope with stress this holiday season, or any season, remember to exercise, exercise, exercise.

DHF

Ever wonder where the day went?   Do you lay down at night and fell as though you got nothing accomplished?  Do you feel like you are chasing time, only to realize time has caught up with y.

Some days are just chaotic; we never seem to get done what we intend.  Continue reading below to learn how to take control of your day and stop chasing time.

Take control of your day

1. Prioritize.  Each day (or the night before) decide on one task you want to accomplish at home and at work.  Focus your energy until that one thing is accomplished.  After it is complete, move on to the next most important task.

2. Manage distractions.  We can never limit all our distractions.  Co-workers want to talk.  Children want to play if we work from home.  Facebook is waiting to be checked.  Our favorite show is coming on soon.  All of these distractions keep us from completing what is important.  Manage distractions by taking control.  Limit the times we check Facebook.  Turn off the TV and get to work.  Talk with your co-worker for 10 minutes then excuse yourself to return to work.  As for children wanting to play.  Sometimes we just need to engage them.  In other words, we need to wear them out for a nap, during which time we can focus on our work.

3. Control your Time.  We often feel like we have accomplished nothing because we have no idea how we use our time.  Track your time for a week.  How often do you watch TV, check Facebook, search the web.  These things use up our time  and keep us from other responsibilities.  They are not bad things to do, but without limiting their use we quickly spend several hours engaging in meaningless activities.

Accomplish those things you want to accomplish by Prioritizing, Managing Distractions and Controlling your Time.

Stop chasing time and take control of the day

What time management tips can you offer?

Just Say “No”

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

(Matthew 5: 33 – 37) NIV

Whenever we say “yes”,

we say “no” to someone else.

Do you have trouble saying “No”, read on to learn to say the most important word in the English language.

Continue reading “Just Say “No””