Contemplate these 5 quotes:

The two indicators of what is important to you are “Where do you spend your time?” and “Where do you spend your money?” – Anon

“One who is generous with praise makes another rich in self-worth” – Sally Huss

Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, “What’s in it for me?” – Anon

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu

“Acquiring wisdom is garnered by your own personal experience.” – Cecilia

1. Being Grateful = Happiness
2. Positive Thinking = Opportunities
3. No Comparing = No Despairing
4. Showing Kindness = Good Feelings
5. Nurturing Relationships = Strength
6. Forgiving = Wellness
7. Being Present = Flow
8. Staying in the Moment = Focus
9. Relishing Joy = Satisfaction
10. Committing to Self = Magic
11. Finding Spirituality = Surrender
12. Caring for Body = Discipline

Adapted from a tribute to Stephen Covey by Marc

Needless to say, there is an endless amount of solutions to stress – but we just have to do it.

16. Give thanks every evening for a day well lived or relief that it’s over.

17. Soak in a tub or jacuzzi. Every mom knows that warm baths soothe the child within.

18. Journal – write it all out our just annotate events, how your day went and add how you felt or even conversations you had or small/big lessons, interesting information or personal qualities/flaws you learned from.

19. Shop online – imagine, in the privacy of your own home, avoiding traffic, crowds and inclement weather as you peruse and click your way to gift giving.

20. Take an herbal tea break. Nothing relaxes like a cup of tea in front of a fire, outside/by a window or in a bubbly bath.

These are just suggestions and I encourage you to enjoy the season by adding self-care and love by implementing one, two or all of the twenty relief strategies.

It doesn’t have to be the holidays to have an eventful and full life! I am never ever bored and always have a million projects.

11. Reach out – call someone and ask how THEY are. Maybe THEY need the connection. It is a win-win.

12. Escape to a bookstore, museum, play, movie or any other field trip just to be surrounded by art and creativity. Heck! Go garden, make something from scratch, do a craft project or paint something – anything to get the creative, playful and artistic juices stirring and flowing.

13. Breathe. Take at least five minutes during the day to do zilch-absolutely nothing but contemplating your navel.

14. Smile at everyone, it instantly lifts your mood, makes you approachable and mirrors good energy out into the world.

15. Say, “I love You!” to yourself in a mirror every day as soon as you roll out of bed and say it to at least one other person or furry family member, then hug.