Develop a weekly action for dealing with the reality of stress. Have a Sunday night review to plan for the following week. You may use a notebook or a dry eraser board.

1. Use creative visualization (also called guided imagery)-your imagination is a powerful stress management tool. Changemaker will be including samples of guided imagery to get you started on using this valuable technique of visually creating the outcome you want in challenges.
2. Be continually aware of the outer world of nature and what I call the “little creatures” such as birds, frogs, butterflies, squirrels, etc.
3. Become aware of negative self-talk.
4. Include relaxation techniques; such as, autogenics, progressive body relaxation, deep breathing, or meditation techniques.
5. Be sure to get enough rest and exercise.
6. Accept those things you can’t change or move away from them emotionally.
7. Be honest and express your feelings when appropriate.

At some periods in our lives, we tend to experience more stress than at other times. During these periods of change:

1. Learn to “gentle yourself” through these days.
2. Gauge your reactions to future events by asking yourself how you feel about this and listen to your feelings. Feelings aren’t right or wrong, good or bad, but are appropriate or inappropriate. So let your feelings be.
3. Many times we use our energy to try to change or stop what change is coming. Learn to “read” the change that is coming and make early decisions about which part of the change you can accept.
4. Bless what there is for being and let go of the rest.
5. The “blame and shame” game is a total waste of time and energy. The way to evaluate this is to ask if finding the “culprit” solves the problem. Generally, the answer is no, as the rug still needs cleaned, the door is still locked, the work is undone. Ask yourself if you’d rather be right or be happy.