Self-Care Strategies:

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.

Relaxation Techniques:

Jog in place or do jumping jackscount 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.

Time Management:

Decide what your time is worth. Hire some tasks done.
Learn to delegate. You dont 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.

New Ideas for Success: Always have a plan B in mind.
People with options are happier.
Set realistic life goals and work toward them daily.
Let go of uncomfortable situations and toxic relationships.
Practice setting boundaries in an Assertitive but respectful manner.
Assume responsibility for your own choices.

Remember the 4 things that matter most:

Please forgive me, I forgive you, Thank you and I love you.

Give top priority to your primary relationships.

Stressors in life- Stressors in life- Stressors in life- Stressors in life- Stressors in life- Stressors in life

Trying to control things you cant control----Not living one day at a time-----Lack of goals

Not clear on your values----Unrealistic expectations of yourself and others----Negative attitude and outlook----Procrastination----Trying to keep secrets----Listening to gossip----Taking on more than you can physically or emotionally handle----Lack of balance in all areas of your life----Unhealthy habits----Changes, either good or bad ones----Lack of faith in the future----negative self-talk.

This article may be copied and used for teaching purposes as long as the full signature line is included. Judy H. Wright, 406-549-9813-www.ArtichokePress.com

Judy H. Wright, www.ArtichokePress.com Missoula, MT 59801

Judy H. Wright

Judy is a parent educator, family coach, and personal historian who has written more than 20 books, hundreds of articles and speaks internationally on family issues, including end of life. . Active as a PBS-Ready to learn consultant, she works with Head Start organizations and child care resource centers. She and Dwain, her husband of 40 years, have six grown children and seven grandchildren. They consider their greatest success in life that their children like themselves and each other.

The symbol of the artichoke has great meaning for Judy in her teaching and writing. As she works with families, she sees that frequently only the outer edges are exposed and they can be prickly and sometimes bitter to the taste. But, as you expose the artichoke and people to warmth, caring, and time, gradually the leaves begin to open and expose the real treasure­the heart.

The artichoke also became a teaching lesson when Judy, with her young family, moved into military housing in California to find Artichokes in their yard. Given that it takes two years for the vegetable to flower, the original gardener never got to see the seeds of her labor. Many times, our actions and reactions in life are felt by people we will never meet, but we plant the seeds of kindness anyway.

You will enjoy Judy's approachable manner, wonderful storytelling and common-sense solutions gleaned from working with hundreds of families and organizations just like yours. Your encounter with Judy will leave you feeling inspired, entertained and especially motivated. Visit Judy's website for excellent references and a full listing of books, workshop topics, tele-classes and testimonials.

To make arrangements for your group or organization to enjoy having Judy present a keynote address, workshop or training session, please contact her at her website, via phone at (406) 549-9813 or via email at Judy@ArtichokePress.com

?Finding the heart of the story in the journey of life.?