All posts by gypsy04

About gypsy04

Islander first. American second. Certified Life Coach. Author, and aspiring Philanthropist. Afflicted with a serious case of wanderlust. Laughter is my medicine. Trailblazer. Prefers quiet times. Favorite quote: "Education is the ability to listen to almost anything, without losing your temper or self-confidence" Robert Frost

Three Habits That Happy People Practice Every Holiday Season

Once Upon a Line, , , ,

So far, tips have been shared to help battle stress, now it’s time to take a deep dive into the most troubling concerns. Battling and overcoming stress during the holidays can be a challenge to anyone. Overcommitting, gift buying, and carrying on traditions, are three of the most stressful areas that can ruin a cheerful season

There are a number of things that can lead to this type of stress: family gatherings, coping with loss, busy stores, long lines, gift buying, conflicts, add to this list.  Last month I shared useful post regarding handling conflicts during gatherings.  Later this month, I will address handling loss. You may also have high expectations that add to the stress of your holiday season.

Long gone are the days in which the season was highly anticipated and there was a sense of magic in the air. As an adult, you may find the season to be more stressful than joyous. Unfortunately, these days, you may even consider holiday stress as a necessary holiday tradition! Here are some methods you can use to battle and overcome stress during the holidays

1. Are you overcommitted? The holidays normally come with many social gatherings that most of us feel we must attend. The fact is that you don’t have to go to every event you’re invited to. Saying “no thank you” to some of the invitations will free up more time for yourself! It’s important to remember and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

If it takes saying “no” to preserve some of your sanity, go for it! Others will be more understanding than you give them credit for. Don’t become so burdened that you secretly wish for the season to pass quickly. Take time to be by yourself. Whether you take a yoga class or a bubble bath, allow yourself to do something enjoyable without worrying about the holiday stress.

2. Carrying on traditions. Growing up, we may have seen our mothers cook a full course Christmas dinner. Perhaps it was routine to host a lavish holiday party. Maybe your family baked hundreds of Christmas cookies to give to friends and relatives. Tradition is good but don’t allow yourself to become so wrapped up in tradition that it consumes you. 

If you find the routine you normally follow for the pure and simple sake of tradition is weighing on you and resulting in more stress than you can deal with, break away from it! You will be happier. Rather than living up to the expectations of years past, start your own, easy-going traditions. Instead of throwing a lavish party, have fewer friends over for tea and cookies. Allow other family members to bring side dishes to the holiday meal rather than cooking it all yourself.

3. Finding the perfect gift. There’s too much pressure to purchase the perfect gift for each person that it takes all the fun out of shopping. Remember, people are generally appreciative for whatever gift they receive. They don’t expect you to go to every corner of the Earth to find them a spectacular gift. Save time and money by skipping the wrapping! Creativity is the main focus.

You can give gifts that can be used throughout the year. For example, you may give a coupon in a card for a free night of babysitting, one day of yard work, or other special things. Shopping online has made searching for gifts much easier. It might also be more cost effective to buy online because many stores offer special sales or free shipping near the holidays. 

I hope you agree that these very simple, yet effective habits can help giftyou overcome stress during the holidays. The key is to determine what’s causing your stress so you can eliminate it. In the end, you’ll see that most of the stress you experience is a result of the expectations you impose on yourself. 

I hope you found these three simple suggestions useful. How will you implement them this year?! Comment below, or share with your overworked and stressed out friend or relative.

To Your Success,
Juan

 

    How To Survive Holiday Travel

    Life Lessons, Mental health, stress, Support/Encouragement, travel, , , , ,

    The holidays are a hectic time for many people. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can be hard to find time to relax. If you’re planning on traveling for the holidays, there are a few things you can do to make the process less stressful.

      • Plan holiday travel itineraries in advance
      • Travel during off-peak hours 
      • Start out well rested 
      • Build in extra money to your travel budget in case of emergencies
      • Arrive at the airport or other station early to more easily take care of last minute challenges 
      • Expect to run into snags
      • Pack light and carry on your bag, rather than checking it 
      • Allow extra time to travel from place to place and expect heavy traffic 
      • Send your gifts in advance or take gift cards
      • Limit alcohol and caffeine
      • Pack plenty of healthy snacks that travel well without refrigeration
      • Bring plenty of things to keep the kids happily occupied
      • Make waiting times go faster and regain a happy holiday feeling by meditating
      •  Use portable meditation props, like a favorite image on your smart phone or tablet
      • Plan to arrive at your holiday destination rested and excited to share your holidays with loved ones

    Meditation Tips For Holiday Travel

    • Sit up straight and relax your shoulders
    • Let distracting thoughts dissolve away as you focus on deep breathing
    • Think about your destination and the loved ones you’ll be visiting 
    • Remember that you’re surrounded by people making similar plans – just like you 
    • Once you’re feeling relaxed and happy, let go of the details and enjoy that warm feeling 
    • Imagine wrapping up those good feelings and presenting them to everyone around you 
    • Gradually return your attention to the present moment 
    • Remind yourself of the fellowship you felt while meditating

    Did you find this useful? Please share it with someone else who will enjoy it too!

    To Your Success,

    Juan




     

    Tis The Season To Be Relaxed?! Follow These Tips

    Life Lessons, Love/Relationships, Mental health, Self Acceptance, stress, , , ,

    The holidays are comingT he holiday season is a time for joy, but it can also be a time of stress. If you’re struggling to keep up with the demands of the holidays, there are some things you can do to make it less stressful. If in years gone by, stress has taken the fun out of this wonderful time of the year, then I say, it’s time to put the “jolly” back in your holidays, and create cherished holiday memories with these proven strategies.

    • Acknowledge that everything doesn’t need to be perfect
    • Start holiday planning and preparations earlier
    • Simplify wherever you can when planning and holding festive celebrations
    • Stick to your budget
    • Scale down your holiday plans 
    • Ponder what you really want to do to celebrate the holidays
    • Talk with family members and friends about what they want to do
    • Plan celebrations that express what the holidays truly mean for you
    • Identify old family traditions. Which ones do you love?
    • Opt to keep holiday traditions that bring you joy and happiness
    • Give yourself permission to let go of old traditions that you aren’t fond of
    • Establish start and stop times for parties
    • Take shortcuts like buying pre-made pies to save time
    • Examine options for pre-made meals or catering services
    • Promptly ask for help when you need it
    • Inform all prospective attendees of your holiday plans in advance
    • Discuss challenging issues in advance with a person who tends to create tension 
    • Use place cards to assign seating in efforts to avoid tension-filled holiday gatherings
    • Short-circuit disagreeable family discussions by interrupting or changing the subject
    • Make a gift list, considering the amount of money you can comfortably spend
    • Cut down your gift list 
    • Shop early and make notes about where to get low-cost gifts
    • Ask for gift suggestions from the people on your gift list
    • Consider giving gift cards to save time and precious energy
    • Suggest a family name-drawing to reduce gift expenditures
    • Reduce the amount of money you spend overall for the holidays and per gift
    • Avoid making credit card purchases at holiday time
    • Think about making homemade food gifts to save dollars at holiday time
    • Shop early and place gifts in a gift drawer so you’ll be ready for the holidays
    • Schedule time to be with your kids for some special holiday moments
    • Keep the kids busy with holiday crafts. They’ll enjoy it and you can get more done.
    • Take time daily to meditate, even if only for a few minutes

    Don’t let the stress of the holidays, ruin what should be a happy, joyful time. Use these tips,  share them with your perpetually stressed out friend/loved one. Follow blog!

    If you are planning to travel to spend it with family or friends, then I have not forgotten you! Come back and check it out!

    To Your Success,
    Juan

    The Law of Attraction: How Gratitude Brings More Good Into Your Life

    Gratitude, Mental health, , , , , ,

    Image: Freepik

    Why wait until Thanksgiving to express your gratitude? You have the luxury of living your joyous life every single day of the year. So make it a point to recognize your blessings, show gratitude for all you, which will attract further blessings into your life. 

    Here are five ways that showing gratitude attracts more abundance into your life:

    1. You’ll be thankful for the little things. When you’re in a positive mindset, you’ll learn to appreciate the little things. The sweetest blessings come in the smallest forms. Once you learn to love, recognize, and be thankful for the little things in life, your quality of life will increase because you’ll be aware of how fortunate you really are. 
    • Your daughter giving you a drawing that says, “Number one mom!” or your husband picking up your favorite flavor of ice cream, are things that you should be thankful for. Your daughter thinks you’re a rock star and you have a considerate spouse. How awesome!
    1. You’ll develop impeccable radar. If you often reflect on the fortunate events in your life, You’ll be able to spot a good opportunity a mile away. Actively seeking new opportunities to increase your personal quality of life, and those closest to you.
      1. Giving to the less fortunate. When you’re thankful for the bed you sleep in at night, the roof shielding your family from the cold, the family on your couch and the food on your plates, you’re well aware of how fortunate you are. As a result, you’re more likely to jump at the opportunity to help someone in a worse position. 
      • The smallest efforts from you could make a world of a difference in the life of another. Helping your neighbor craft his resume, will help him provide for his family. Donating your used clothing will help keep the homeless warm. And taking part in a walk for breast cancer may give someone else the opportunity to live another day.
      • When you help others, you help yourself in many ways.
      1. You’ll reach higher. Your grateful ways are a blessing. You appreciate life more intensely when you’re grateful. You also see each day as another chance to bring more joy to your reality, lifestyle, and future. It’s perfectly normal to be grateful for what you have, yet often desire to reach for more. Constantly improving your life is a good thing for you and your family.
        1. Taking others into consideration. When you’re satisfied with your life and feel genuinely happy, you tend to treat others very kindly. You’ll be more likely to hold the door open at the mall for a stranger, or pick up a fallen cane for an elderly man. Your own happiness is magnified when you help bring joy to others. 

        Your life begins to take a turn for the better when you keep in mind how fortunate you really are. The smallest details can boost your spirits. The misfortune of others will prompt you to help them seek support, and life just begins to look a little brighter. 

        Starting today, take your positive mindset to new heights and make every day a personal day of thanksgiving

        Here is a free Gratitude-Journal-Worksheet to get you started!

        To Your Success,

        Juan

         

        How To Survive Thanksgiving Amidst Family Conflict: A Guide For Young Adults

        Love/Relationships, Mental health, , , , , , ,

         

        Photo: Cottonbro Studios/Pexel

        The holidays offer a unique opportunity for family conflict. Whether it’s long-standing feuds between siblings or political disagreements between relatives, the holiday season can be a minefield. 

        Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to share a meal and give thanks for all they have. But for many families, Thanksgiving is also a time of conflict. If you’re expecting a tense Thanksgiving this year, it is essential to have a plan in place. Here are some tips on how to survive the day:

        1. Have a backup plan. In the event  situations becomes too heated, such as leaving the gathering early or spending time with friends or other relatives instead.

        2. Be assertive. If conflict does arise, it is important to be assertive in communicating your needs. This means standing up for yourself and speaking up when you feel mistreated or disrespected. It may also be necessary to set boundaries with certain family members, such as telling them that you will not tolerate certain behavior.

        3. Keep your cool. It can be difficult to stay calm in the midst of conflict, but it is important to try. Losing your temper will only make the situation worse and could lead to further arguments. If you find yourself getting upset, take a few minutes to cool off, take a way, go into the next room etc. 

        4. Avoid hot-button topics. If you know certain topics are sure to start an argument, do your best to avoid them. This may mean changing the subject when someone brings up a controversial topic or politely declining to answer questions about your personal life.

        5. Don’t engage in arguments. If someone does bring up a hot-button topic or starts to argue with you, don’t engage. politely excuse yourself from the conversation or leave the room if necessary. Remember, you don’t have to defend yourself or your beliefs to anyone.

        6. Set boundaries. If you feel like you’re being relentlessly attacked or attacked, it’s okay to set boundaries.

        7. Don’t Expect a Resolution. If you go into Thanksgiving with the hope of resolving all of your differences, you’re likely to be disappointed. Instead, focus on getting through the day without any major blowups.

        With these tips in mind, you can successfully navigate family conflict during the holidays. In summary, and most importantly, try to understand where your family is coming from. Second, be honest about your feelings and take time for yourself if needed. Finally, set boundaries with family members who are particularly challenging. If you follow these tips, you can survive Thanksgiving amidst family conflict. Your mental health will thank you!

        Like, follow, and comment to let us know how you did!

        To Your Success, 

        Juan

        Seven Powerful Ways To Practice Gratitude Every Day

        Gratitude, Mental health, Self Acceptance, Support/Encouragement, , , , ,

        Introduction
        When you’re in a bad mood, it’s easy to get stuck there. It takes effort to pull yourself out of that funk. And while you’re at it, why not make it easier on yourself by practicing gratitude? Gratitude is scientifically proven to lift your mood and make you happier. And if you practice gratitude regularly, then it becomes a habit. So here are some quick and easy ways to practice:

        Keep a Gratitude Journal
        The first step in practicing gratitude is to remember what you’re thankful for. To do this, keep a journal. This will help you remember what’s going well in your life and provide motivation to continue focusing on the positive aspects of each day. A gratitude journal can be used anywhere: at home, at work or school, while traveling—the possibilities are endless!

        Keeping track of the good things in life is important because it allows us time to reflect on all we have accomplished and experienced during our lives thus far (and those who have influenced us along the way). 

        Use a Gratitude Scrapbook
        A gratitude scrapbook is a great way to practice gratitude. You can make your own or you can buy one. A gratitude scrapbook is like a regular art journal, but the focus of this book is on things in your life that are wonderful and meaningful.

        You should write in your gratitude scrapbook every day and then read what you wrote when you are feeling down or have had a bad day. The act of writing down things that make you happy will help you feel better about what is happening in your life right now because it brings attention to all the things that are going well for you.

        Make Gratitude Cards
        You can make your own gratitude cards with a computer and card stock, or you can use an old-fashioned method by using scissors and a piece of paper. The idea is to create something that will remind you of what you are grateful for when you look at it. You could even send these cards to friends and family as a way to express your feelings of thankfulness toward them! Or if you prefer, keep them for yourself!

        Be Grateful for Your Discomforts
        A lot of people think of a discomfort as something to avoid and run away from at all costs. When you’re uncomfortable, it’s natural to want the feeling to go away quickly so you can return to the comfort zone. But if we want to practice gratitude and be happier in life, it’s important that we learn how to appreciate our discomforts as well as our comforts in life—because without them, there wouldn’t be balance!

        Create a Gratitude Corner In Your Home
        This can be as simple as putting a plant or little figurine in one corner of the room, or you can make it more elaborate. For example, you might put up a picture of someone who inspires you and that reminds you to be grateful for all they have done for humanity (like Mother Teresa). You could also create an entire wall dedicated to being grateful by adding pictures of things that inspire gratitude in you (like friends or family), and adding inspirational quotes around the room. 

        Create a Gratitude List Every Day
        One of the simplest, most effective ways to practice gratitude is to create a Gratitude List every day.

        • Write down three things you’re grateful for.
        • Don’t write down the same thing every day! Do this for at least 21 days in a row, and see how your perspective changes as a result.
        • Don’t write down the same thing every week! 
        • If you repeat any particular entry more than once within two weeks’ time, put an asterisk next to that item—but don’t stop writing it down! The point here is not about quantity but about quality.

        A small change in your focus can make a big difference.
        It’s time to use the law of attraction to your full advantage. Let’s be real: it can feel like a lot of work to change your thoughts, especially if  you’re surrounded by negative people and their constant barrage of stressors.  In addition to practicing gratitude, here are some other ways that you can make those positive vibes happen:

        • Be grateful for who you are. Your personality is unique, so don’t ever compare yourself with others. The things that make up “you” aren’t perfect—but neither is anyone else’s! 
        • Exercise gratitude every day through meditation or journaling (it’ll take less than 5 minutes). We tend not think about our blessings until they’re gone—or until we’ve lost something valuable in life like our health or home—but there are always going be things we should be thankful 

        Conclusion
        In these ways, you can practice gratitude and make your life happier. Which one will you practice today? Are you already incorporating these practices in your life?

        To Your Success,
        Juan

        The Power Of Gratitude: Why You Should Be Expressing It More Often

        Gratitude, Life Lessons, Mental health, , , , , , , ,

        November! Yikes. 

        Let’s take a break from mental health in this month, and focus, on you guessed it, gratitude:). November is Thanksgiving month in the US. If you believe we should be practicing gratitude year round, you are in the right place.

        We all know that feeling of gratitude – when someone does something nice for us and we just can’t help but say “thank you.” But did you know that gratitude can actually have a powerful impact on your life? Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can lead to greater happiness, better health, and even improved relationships.

        In our fast-paced, constantly-connected lives, it’s easy to forget the power of gratitude. We get wrapped up in our day-to-day worries and stresses and forget to take a step back and appreciate the good in our lives. But the truth is that gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions we can feel. Gratitude has been linked to improved mental and physical health, increased happiness and satisfaction, and even better sleep.

        Gratitude has been shown to have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. Research has shown that gratitude can improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost immunity. Additionally, gratitude can increase overall happiness and life satisfaction. When we express gratitude, we open the door to more positive experiences and emotions. We also start to attract more good things into our lives. Gratitude is like a magnet for happiness, and the more we express it, the more we will receive.

        Given all of these benefits, it’s clear that gratitude is a powerful emotion. Yet, many of us don’t express gratitude as often as we should. Why is that?

        There are a few reasons. For one, we often take the good things in our lives for granted. We may not even realize how lucky we are to have certain things. Additionally, we may not know how to express gratitude. We may not want to appear needy or unappreciative In our fast-paced, constantly-connected lives, it’s easy to forget the power of gratitude. We get wrapped up in our day-to-day worries and stresses and forget to take a step back and appreciate the good in our lives. 

        So why not make a commitment to expressing gratitude more often? If you’re not sure where to start, try keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. You may be surprised at how much better you feel when you start expressing gratitude on a regular basis.

        Take a few moments each day to think about the things you are thankful for. You may be surprised at how much better you feel. Taking the time to intentionally express gratitude can make a world of difference. Try it for yourself and see how the power of gratitude can change your life for the better.

        November’s posts will be dedicated to, yes, all things Gratitude:)

        To Your Success,
        Juan

         

        Biofeedback As An Effective Stress Management Tool

        Once Upon a Line, , , , ,

        Did you know that Biofeedback can help us manager stress and other ailments?

        Biofeedback is a tool that gathers information using specialized instruments that measure one or more physiological markers including muscle tone, breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, brainwaves, skin temperature, and sweat production.

        We experience biofeedback all of the time. When you watch a scary movie, your hands might become sweaty and your heart rate increases. If you move your attention away from the movie and think about something pleasant, these physical responses diminish. This is a simple, but valid, example of biofeedback

        There are different types of biofeedback devices available:

        1. Clinical. These devices are generally only available to professionals and require training to use properly. It can be useful to receive biofeedback therapy if you have the time and financial resources to do so.
          • Home interactive computer programs. There are sensors that can be plugged into your computer or mobile device. These sensors often attach to your finger or ear or are worn like a headband. The software often provides verbal prompts or other instructions to help you relax and provides feedback regarding the results.
          • Wearable. These are more mobile and less intrusive to use. They often consist of a watch-type device or sensor that goes around your waist. They can provide alerts if your stress levels are above an acceptable level.

          You have more control than you think over your stress response:

          1. Breathing. Slow and relaxed breathing can reduce the severity of stress quite significantly. A biofeedback device can help you discover the best way to breathe and reduce your stress response.
          2. Muscle relaxation. Helps can also reduce the amount of stress you feel. 
          3. Your thoughts. They can either be stressful or peaceful. Maybe thinking about the beach is more effective for reducing stress than thinking about puppies. Biofeedback can show you.

          Biofeedback devices allow you to measure your stress in a variety of ways. You can systematically determine which breathing techniques work for you. You can figure out which muscles you need to relax and the best way to relax them. Which thoughts are the most calming for you? Biofeedback can teach you.

          Biofeedback is a non-invasive way of dealing with stress that doesn’t require medication. It requires some equipment and a willingness to practice.  Learning to relax yourself is a skill that takes practice. As you practice the best techniques for you, you’ll become more skilled at applying them.

          Most home biofeedback devices have not been reviewed by the FDA, but a few have. Do some research before purchasing .  Although it takes some practice, you’ll see that it’s definitely worth the time and effort as your stress melts away.

          Meditation, exercise, yoga, etc are all ways of handling stress, and with the availability of biofeedback on the market, we have another tool at our disposal.

          What do you think about this tool? Have you used one before? Did it work, and will you recommend it to your fiends and family?

          To Your Success,
          Juan

          Clutterly Stressed

          Once Upon a Line, , , , , , , , , ,

          Photo Credit: Todd Kent

          Deadlines, financial difficulties, and competing responsibilities are some well-known causes of stress in our lives. Research shows that clutter can also be a hidden cause of stress at home and work. 

          A 2011 study at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute examined the effect of clutter on the brain. According to the study, “Interactions of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Mechanisms in Human Visual Cortex,” clutter does more than take up space in our homes and offices. Clutter limits the brain’s ability to focus and process information.
          Individuals that limit clutter in their home and work environment are less irritable, less distracted, and more productive.

          Try these steps to pare down and organize your belongings:

          1. Start small. If you’ve been living with too much stuff for a long time, you probably feel overwhelmed at the thought of going through your things.  Get started by setting small cleaning and organizing goals.
          • Avoid setting an unrealistic goal of cleaning your whole house overnight. One small space at a time. It will give you the boost of confidence you need to continue your efforts.  
          • Once you’ve established order to a small space, keep going. Build upon your success. After your drawers and closets, focus on cleaning an entire room. Clean and organize one room at a time until your entire home is filled only with necessary items that you use on a regular basis.
          • Keep your closets and drawers organized by adopting a “one in, one out” rule. Get rid of one old item each time you buy something new.
          1. Be ruthless. If you haven’t worn or used an item in a year or longer, do you really still need it? Get rid of duplicate items, as well as worn out and broken items that you haven’t fixed.
          • Items received as gifts from loved ones can be particularly difficult to part with, especially if the loved one is now deceased. Take the time to acknowledge your loss, but realize that holding on to your loved one’s possessions won’t bring them back.
          • One option that may make it easier to part with an item and honor your loved one’s memory, is to sell the item and donate the proceeds to their favorite charity.
            1. Straighten the focal points of your bedroom, living room, and kitchen at the start of each day. Set the tone for your day by spending 15 minutes straightening the central areas of your home each morning.
            • Make your bed, wash any dirty dishes, and eliminate clutter from the living room, counters, and kitchen table. Reverse this strategy at work, and clear your desk before you leave at the end of the day.
            • By removing the clutter from these key areas, you’ll feel more calm and relaxed when you return.

            Having too much stuff is visually distracting and it adds to your daily stress level. Following these simple steps will contribute to greater feelings of serenity in your life as you say “goodbye” to clutter.

            To Your Success,
            Juan

            How To Manage Stress As A Single Parent: Five Tips To Help You Cope

            Advice, Mental health, stress, Support/Encouragement, Worry, , , , , , , ,

            Photo: Sydney  Rae

            Any parent knows that raising a family is hard work, but for single mothers, the challenges can be especially daunting. Not only do you have to juggle the demands of work and child-rearing, but you must do it all  on your own. It’s no wonder that stress levels for single parents are through the roof.

            Many single parents, especially moms, are experiencing dangerous levels of stress, and they don’t see any way around it. Chronic stress is harmful to your body, mind and spirit. Between work, finances, and caring for the kids, it’s easy to let the little things fall by the wayside. Here are some helpful suggestions:

            Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family. They can watch the kids while you run errands or take a break, and they’ll be happy to lend a helping hand. When you have people that you can turn to, you’ll be able to release stress in a positive way. When you need a bit of reinforcement, it helps to know you can pick up the phone and call in backup!
            Your support system might consist of family members and friends who are willing to
            listen to you vent or even help you around the house.

            Remember to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercise are all important for managing stress levels. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms. Make time for yourself. Schedule at least 10 to 15 minutes just for you into each day. This time can even be for something simple, like painting your fingernails, taking a hot bath, or reading for pleasure. Your alone time will refresh and revive you!

            Plan ahead. The best thing you can do when you’re a single parent is to plan ahead. You’ll find that the simple things in life that often cause the most stress can be managed or outright eliminated when you plan ahead. Prepare meals in advance and freeze them until you’re ready to use them. Have everyone put out their clothes the night before, shoes by the front door, so getting the day started will be a breeze.

            Involve the kids. You can’t do everything by yourself, so get your kids involved in getting things done. Any help they are able to contribute will save you a lot of time and stress each day, plus it’s teaching them the importance of responsibility and contributing to the family. Teach them age-appropriate tasks like cleaning their room, doing laundry, making the grocery list, planning meals, cooking, taking out the trash, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, and so on.

            Know your limits. When a friend, co-worker, or family member asks something of you that you know you can’t do, say no. It may not make the other person happy, but knowing your limits can help you from being overworked unnecessarily. If you don’t respect your time, who else will?

            These are all very simple, yet effective, ways to deal with the stress of being a single parent. These tips won’t do away with stress altogether, but they’ll help you manage it in a way that will allow you to get things done and enjoy your life and kids. Your kids will only be small for a short time, and you don’t want to waste these years in a stressed out daze. Instead, take advantage of the here and now by incorporating these stress management tips into your life. 

            With a little bit of planning, help, and effort, you can juggle being both the parent and
            provider of your family. Which one of these suggestions will you implement today?!

            To Your Success,
            Juan