Home Sudden and Violent Death Coping With Grief coping resources7 Simple Soothers to Lift Your Spirits
by Susie Mantell www.relaxintuit.com
Some days we just need a little help. (...some days we need a lot!) Coping with the stress and sadness of loss, or divorce, relocation, down-sizing, long-term illness or any number of other all-too-human experiences, can challenge the bright spirit of even the most self-aware among us.
Whoever you are...and wherever you sit, reading this article, perhaps something here will bring you comfort, or even remind you of what you already know, but have forgotten. Try these "Simple Soothers" to find the ones that feel just right for you!
Stuck in a Rut? Shift Gears!
Take a brisk walk, varying your route and find 6 things that make you laugh along the way. Try Tai Chi, Reflexology, Reiki, or prepare an exotic new recipe. Get a free makeover in a department store. Rent a movie you'd NEVER pick. Buy a pet. Plan a trip. Tense day? Shake it up! Pop in some oldies and sing--really loud!
Overwhelmed? Start Small...
Make a "To Do" list of no more than 5 tasks. Keep goals small and manageable. House a mess? Piles to file?
1) Ask for help.
2) Organize just ONE drawer.
3) Work 30 minutes on/30 off.
4) Pay 3 bills at a time. (Or pay weekly -- avoid that "monthly mountain.")
5) List your day's successes...enjoy a healthy reward for your efforts!
Overworked? Re-Balance Your Day
- Take a lunch break every single day. Go for a walk. Feed the ducks. (Ducks need lunch too!)
- Organize your desk. (..okay, file just one pile.) External clutter can really increase internal stress.
- Take a mini-break every hour--No excuses.
- Keep water handy. Dehydration stresses the whole system.
- Write in your journal for 10 minutes.(OK. 4.)
- End your day with a steaming shower and one quiet "No-TV" evening.
Looking for the Secret to Happiness? (Hint: It's in the Little Things)
- Pick out 3 cards. Send to 3 people for no particular occasion.
- Tell someone they've done a GREAT job!
- Smile at strangers. (Keep trying. SOMEbody'll smile back.)
- Make up with someone you're angry at. If forgiveness is in order, find some. Life is too short to waste much of it feeling angry...
Spirits Need a Lift? Make a "Thrills" List!
Get yourself a beautiful journal, a special pen and start a "Thrills" List-- from shooting stars to simple pleasures. List every thrill you've EVER had (...or hope to!) The clearer we are about our desires and intentions for this life, the sooner we can take small steps that might just bring them closer. Update weekly and create a couple of new thrills!
Not Having Enough Fun? Take Time for "Recreation"
At the end of the day, most find, "Attend to personal well-being" somewhere at the bottom of the list. Set aside times each week to "re-create." Do something utterly engaging that makes you feel real and alive and whole (and NOT "professional.") Take Tai Chi, Yoga or dance classes. Play bridge, listen to music...make some! Stumped? Ask friends what THEY do for fun.
Okay..I Know This One Sounds Goofy..but Try it!
1) Stand.
2) Look up at the ceiling.
3) Extend both arms behind you, inhale, lift and
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