Well, it's true, flu season has arrived early this year. We have several in our office who are proof of that. I heard on the TV that the main reason for the early arrival has a lot to do with the stress and worry that people are currently experiencing. I have my own personal Top 10 list of things to do to relieve stress:
#10: Take a long walk. I'm not talking a marathon, just a stroll around the neighborhood. Chances are you will run into a neighbor and have a nice chat about the weather or how the high school football team is doing. Calories burned are optional.
#9: Read a good book: My current selection is Pieces of My Heart by Robert Wagner. Wow, what a good looking specimen, oops sorry. This book is laced with names of movie stars past and present. It will definitely take you away from today's gloom and doom.
#8: Work a crossword puzzle; the easier the better. Just fill in the blanks and let your mind wander to an isle or down the aisle or to wondering what in the world is an apis? I especially like to daydream about the lei and luau.
#7: Take a minute to read those funny emails you have been saving. Read, delete and don't forward, it's a freeing experience.
#6: Find a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a cool beverage of your choice. This is especially nice if you are out of doors with no man made noise; just you and nature. Just keep those *&%$# mosquitoes away from me.
#5: Saturday morning Garage Sales. Buying an item is not necessary, but you never know what treasure awaits you at the next driveway. Flea markets are also fun with less driving involved.
#4: Visit with a child. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew or a neighbor. Take the time to really talk with them and you will find the stress flowing away. When a child is talking about their favorite toy, game or movie they give us a whole new insight into life. My personal favorites are the stories of Dinkerbell and Cinnerella. They always bring a smile to my face.
#3: Revisit those vacation pictures. I know everyone has a box of old pictures from vacations past. It is a blast to check out the styles, not only of clothes, but hair too. Memories are a wonderful way to escape, plus the joy of remembering family and friends, old and new.
#2: Eat an ice cream cone. Who can be stressed when you are licking an ice cream cone. It is an entirely different art form than eating ice cream out of a bowl. There is the whole ratio of how much ice cream to eat from each side as well as what to do when it runs down your arm. This makes me smile just thinking about it. Forget the calories, it's worth it. This is even better when combined with #4.
#1: TURN OFF THE TV. Quit listening to the media and all the gloom and doom talk about the election, the war, the economy. My cable system also has a wonderful assortment of music channels, just music no news or talk. If you don't want to wear your MP3 player or prefer the low tech way this is a great option to have beautiful music in your home. Try something new, maybe jazz or classical. My personal favorite here is the sing along 50's or show tunes, but only when I am home alone. For some reason my hubby doesn't enjoy my singing along as much as I do. Just throw your head back and sing along.
Remove some of the stress from your life and we will all come through this down time as better and happier citizens of the world.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
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