Rheal Destressors

The holidays are winding down and regardless of how you feel about them it is a stressful time of year. Diminishing daylight, hazardous weather conditions and the post holiday blahs further contribute to our stress levels. The icing on the proverbial cake is the self-imposed stress of monumental New Year’s resolutions.

We feel compelled to make a list of all of the things we perceive as faults to be corrected in the New Year. On January 2 of every New Year gyms are wall to wall with resolution driven attendees; pantries are stripped of bad foods, and we commit to spending a full two minutes on brushing our teeth, three times a day.

Change is good and all resolutions are well intentioned, however, success is attained by process rather than monumental goals. Instead of a goal to lose fifty pounds determine to be healthy. Instead of saying you will work out seven hours a week, take the stairs and park your car in the spot farthest from your location.

When stressed stop for 60 seconds and ask why. If you can’t pinpoint the source try to incorporate any combination of the following in your routine:

• Lower your expectations to manageable achievements; small changes become lifestyle changes over time;
• Don’t over-schedule yourself or your family;
• Create a play list of soothing music to be used when stressed;
• Take a few minutes and close your eyes to visualize your favorite place;
• Give yourself a time out even if it is sitting in a bathroom stall for five minutes;
• Loosen up - restrictive clothes force muscles to tense and in turn make you tense;
• Ask for help - yes it is hard but you will be amazed at the willingness of others;
• Take care of yourself - you can’t effectively care for others if you don’t take the time to care for yourself;

Rheal De-Stressors


o Schedule a facial;
o Treat yourself to a weekly manicure - think of it as an hour of you time;
o Walk as often as you can;
o Eliminate one food a month from an unhealthy diet;
o Make a list of places or things you would like to do and then schedule one a month -yes it is all right to do it by your self - think of it as a battery recharge and
o Honor your commitments to yourself.

Small incremental changes, rather than large and sometimes overwhelming goals are the path to healthy life changes. It is not selfish to care for yourself. When you are healthy you are strong. You will be a better resource for yourself and those you care for when you operate from a place of strength rather than a place of stress.

May you have the healthiest and happiest New Year of your life!