In order to take care of others, we must first use self-care strategies in our own life. If we have children in the house, they will model what we do, not what we say.

Stress and Adversity can be handled if the following tips are used often enough that they become automatic action and good habits.

Check the ones you are currently practicing and circle the area where you want to improve.

__Substantial breakfast daily

__Regular sleeping habits (minimum of 7 hours)

__No smoking

__Moderate use of alcohol, caffeine and other drugs

__Minimal intake of sugar & highly processed foods

__Maintenance of proper weight

__Regular exercise program

__Drink much more water than you usually do.

How did you do? Here are some great ideas to bust stress.

Relaxation Techniques:

__Jog in place or do jumping jacks—count to 300

__Roll head and torso from side to side

__Tense your muscles individually, then relax them

__Pull seat of chair for 5-count: repeat with legs xtended

__Take a deep breath to count of 4, exhale to 4, and repeat 4 times

__Massage your forehead or temples; repeat the word “calm”

__Try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Walk off your worry.

__Meditate for 20 minutes

__Listen to music and close your eyes

__Take a power nap. Train yourself to sleep for 12 minutes.

How did you do on that list? Here are some ideas to help you from being frustrated and rattled because you are "too busy."

Time Management:

__Decide what your time is worth. Hire some tasks done.

__Learn to delegate. You don’t have to do or supervise everything.

__Set priorities.

__Invest your time in the thing that will give you the highest return on your investment.

__Plan your day according to energy levels.

__Manage the paper tiger. Try to handle paper only once.

Take care of yourself. You must practice stress management techniques for self care in order to have time and energy to care for others. It is not selfish to take care of your self. It is wise use of resources.

Author's Bio: 

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© Judy H. Wright, EncourageSelfConfidence.com for a special price on Judy's latest book.

Judy H. Wright, aka Auntie Artichoke, the storytelling trainer, is a parent educator and family coach located in Missoula, Montana. She is an author, international speaker and teacher. For a full listing of books, workshops and tele-classes available please see ArtichokePress.com.