Learning to "Relax"!

My sister the other day told me that I needed to "RELAX". What does that mean? I am so confused. I didn't realize that I had been really uptight or stressed. I do get mad at my hubby and kids every once and a while but I had no idea that to other people I seem like a little crazy person. So I am taking this to heart and I have set out to find out just how to "RELAX" and to apply it to my crazy life. In my searches on the Internet I have found several suggestions on how to "RELAX" and felt impressed to share them with all of you.

I am going to take one of the suggestions listed below per month and try to apply it to my life. I challenge all of you to do the same. Maybe we can all become happier women/men if we learn to do some of these things in our lives on a regular bases.

1) Make healthy food choices. Sugar and caffeine are your enemies, as they both cause severe ups and downs, upsetting your body's ability to regulate energy. Instead of sugary, carbohydrate loaded snacks (like cookies or granola bars), eat fresh fruits and whole grain breads or crackers (sugar-free). Make sure you get plenty of low-calorie protein, like that found in chicken, fish, whole grains, beans, dark leafy vegetables, or low-fat dairy.

2) Find a quiet place when you are feeling overwhelmed. Even the stall of a bathroom will work if you have no other place to go.

3) Close your eyes and picture your own personal paradise. Put yourself there and imagine the setting. What do you see around you? Is there a breeze? What do you hear--birds? Waves? Water? Imagine yourself thoroughly enjoying every moment here in your special place.
Breathe. Inhale deeply, count to five, then exhale slowly, counting to five. Do this ten times.

4) Read a book and clear your mind of all the stress and rush of the day.

5) Avoid people who are constantly angry or complain. Stress can be contagious, so avoid transmitters.

6) Stop engaging in behaviors that make you feel guilty. Seek help from a professional if necessary, but don't allow destructive behavior to sabotage your life and your health. Guilt is a potent source of stress, so get rid of the source of guilt by behaving yourself.

7) Exercise every day. You don't need to work out like a body builder or celebrity. At least twenty minutes (or more, if you like) every day of moderate activity, like walking or bike-riding, is the best known, scientifically proven way to significantly reduce stress. Walk on a treadmill every day for twenty minutes, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and park a little further away from the entrance to stores. You will be amazed at how much easier you overcome stress when you exercise regularly.

8) Learn to prioritize. Make a list of tasks you must accomplish that day. Put the most important things at the top and list every task in descending order of importance. Learn to be proactive and take care of things before they become a problem, then your time will be more productive and you will feel less stress.

9) Draw a warm bath, light candles around your tub, dim the lights, add bubbles, lavender, or just keep the water plain.

10) Curl up on your couch with a blanket, and a good book, maybe even a cup of tea or cocoa.

11) Do yoga; it relaxes your body, and helps clear your mind.

12) Go to your local spa for a great massage.

13) Lay on your bed or sofa, have some soft music playing in the background (or nature CD's) and listen to ocean waves, waterfalls, or birds.

14) Go for a walk. If you live near a park with a fountain, or near a beach or lake, the calming sound of water will soothe you. Just a regular walk will also relax you. (please don't take the kids with you during this time.)
15) Swim. Either at your local pool, a friend or relatives home, or in a lake. Swimming is great for reducing stress.

16) Do the activities or hobbies that relax you (fishing, sewing, singing, painting, taking photographs), whatever it is that keeps your mind off the things that normally stress you out, or things that you just need a break from every now and then.

17) Spend time with your pet. Talk to your pet about all the stress and anxiety you've been going through and you'll feel a lot better. Or just cuddle or play with your pet. They'll love it and so will you.
18) Think positively.

19) Practice meditation. Try to remove all thoughts and emotions other than your controlled breathing from your mind. It's really difficult; some Buddhist monks practice it their whole life! However, it can be very rewarding.

20) Think of the ocean and how calming the rushing waves crash upon the shore.

21) Do you know self-hypnosis? Then take a few deep breaths, focus on something, and go into self-hypnosis.

22) Do you know someone who can hypnotise you? Politely ask them if they can hypnotise you to be relaxed.

23) Read a book or an article that makes you think. Whatever inspires your thoughts to a positive useful life seems to add new energy.

24) Avoid toxic people. People who try to guilt you into doing things, or tell you you're not good enough, are people you should spend minimal time with (yes, even if they are family). Your life and health are YOUR responsibility.

25) If stress is causing serious problems such as headaches or other symptoms, seek help from a doctor.

Being with Family!

I have to say that seeing my family has been so nice. I get home sick sometimes and look forward to being around my Mom, Dad, Brothers & Sisters. Sometimes we forget what we are missing when we have to be so far away from our family. The lord has blessed me with a wonderful, caring & loving Mother and Father. It's important to remember them often and thank them for everything they do for us. So I encourage all of you to take a moment out of your day and give your parents a call and tell them you love them.

4th of July

This is one of my favorite Holidays. I am so glad that we were invited to spend it with the Hunters. My kids love going over to "Grammys" house to swim. The Grahams were also invited and we had one big party with a BBQ, Swimming & Fireworks. I am so thankful to have the Hunters in our lives. They are like my extended family. It is hard to be so faraway from my parents and siblings who live in Salt Lake City , UT . I hate calling them and finding out that everyone is getting together for on reason or another. I want to be with them but right now it is not possible. I feel so alone sometimes. On the other hand I don't need to look too far for someone to be with on those days. Thanks for Sharing your Family "Grammys"!

Check out my Slide Show!

Ariel Turns 4 yrs Old!

I can't believe that my baby girl is 4 now. They grow so fast and right before your eyes. I remember the time we brought Ariel and her sister Jessica home for the 1st time. Ariel had just turned 1 and she was so little and very calm. Her face was full of sunshine even with all the sores she had on her face from Eczema. The poor girl was neglected as a baby by the parents and she was delayed in her Development. Now you would never no the difference. It is amazing what a little love and stability will do for a child. She is now a thriving little spirit. Her shy/quite countenance is a blessing for us. She is very mild mannered except when tempted or teased by her Sisters. She is very bright and sometime she amazes me with the deep questions she asks like "why do bird fly in the sky instead of walk?"



I am so proud to be her mother. God has truly sent me an Angel from heaven.

Happy Birthday Ariel!