A - Z of Keeping Happy, Healthy and Relaxed

A large percentage of people feel stressed, depressed, unhappy and unhealthy. I want to share an A – Z list of how I deal with these issues. You don’t have to do them but I’m sure a few points will appeal to you.

Aromatherapy - This is quite relaxing. You could burn essential oils like Lavender, in Oil Burners or burn incense. It gives a lovely aroma around the house and has a way of calming your senses. There are a lot of Essential oils to choose from.

Alternatively, put a few drops of Lavender Oil on your pillow before you sleep.

Bless – Bless someone every day. It could be a word of encouragement, a phone call to a friend, a gift, a lovely smile, a hug etc. Just put a smile on at least one person’s face everyday. Its such a lovely feeling to give.

Clutter – Clear out clutter. This could be your home, your office, your car or for us ladies, your handbag. You will feel better afterwards. This is also healthy for the mind.

Drink – Drink plenty of water. It flushes out Toxins in our system and keeps us from getting dehydrated. It also promotes clear skin.

Eat Healthy – You don’t have to do away with all the chocolates and cakes but ensure there is a good mix of fruit, vegetable and wholemeal in your diet.

Forget Arguments – Don’t sleep on any argument you’ve had with anyone - friend or a partner. Try to end it, there and then. Otherwise, you’ll keep on pondering over it and it starts eating away at you. The more you keep on reliving the disagreement, negative feelings emerge – not healthy!! Forgive freely. Sometimes unforgiveness and bitterness make people ill. Some people get so bitter and angry for years and it eventually causes them to have a heart problem.

Games – Play games. This stimulates the brain. It could be something as simple as a 10 minute solitaire game on the computer at Lunch time. Not necessarily anything of Olympic nature even though it would be nice to see you in 2012.

Happiness – Choose to be happy. Ok, so you held the door open for someone to walk through and they breezed through without even saying “thank you”. You could choose to call them a “knob head” or choose to smile and just carry on with your day, without allowing it to upset you. Its possible, but its your Choice.

Imagine – Our imagination is very strong. Imagine one of your dreams. Imagine you have just accomplished it. Imagine the feeling of accomplishment - very nice and believe it or not, whatever you focus on, eventually begins to manifest.

Jaccuzzi – Water has a relaxing nature. Visit a health Spa or if You and Yours are away for the weekend and staying in a hotel, take advantage of the Jacuzzi. If they haven’t, got one, you could always swim and if there is no pool…… Well, there’s always the big bath tub.

Keep a Diary – Note down details you need to remember. To do lists etc. This helps keep you organised and in control.

Laugh – Laughter is good medicine for the heart. Watch a comedy, read some jokes. I watched an old film on TV a few weeks ago, I laughed so much, I had to get it out on rental to watch again. It was called "White Chicks" (PS. Let me know of any funny films that make you laugh a lot. I’d like to watch them).

Massages – Have Massages. If you can’t afford to have one, massage your face, with your fingers or ask a friend or partner to massage you. I actually massage on a part time basis and enjoy seeing the difference it makes to people. If you are being massaged by a partner, you have the benefit of a full body massage and naturally this could go a step further… if you catch my drift….... Its all in aid of relaxation.

New things – Try something new. E.g Joining a Tango Class. Exposing yourself to unfamiliar experiences stretch you mentally and physically. There is an element of growth which we all need in life.

Organic Food – Eat Organic foods, as they are generally free of the pesticide and fertilizer residues that damage health. Alternatively, grow your own Vegetable if you can.

Pamper – Pamper or treat yourself daily. You work nearly everyday don’t you? I have a list of treats. E.g Pizza, flowers, Retail therapy, manicure, cinema with a friend, ordering something from the internet etc. There must be about 50 on my list. Make up your own list and make sure you have at least one of those treats in a day.

Quietness - This is important to have first thing in the morning and at night. (15 - 30mins) Be still, try not to allow any dialogues in your head – meditate/pray. Think about the goals you have in your life, how are you achieving them? What action do you have to do today to move you a step closer to your goal? If you have a journal of these details, reflect on it and make notes. Most times when your mind is quiet, the answers to questions you’ve been asking yourself tend to come naturally or you’ll have some new ideas. If you’ve got kids, maybe you could do it when they are sleeping.

Recreation – Have a hobby or should I say indulge in your hobby. Make time for it. I’m sure you’ve got one. Football, listening to music, cooking/baking, fishing, writing poems, photography, something you really enjoy doing.

Smile – Even when you are feeling low, smiling at someone triggers the release of endorphins (happy hormones) that will help to boost your mood.

Tests – Make sure you go for all the regular Medical tests you should have. Don’t miss them. Ladies, gentlemen, we all know the tests relevant to us.

Umbilical Keyboard – Cut the umbilical keyboard. If your fingers are glued to a computer most of the day, your hands and wrists will feel the strain. Ensure there are objects to manipulate on your desk e.g A Gel filled squeeze ball can be moulded and gripped to flex the muscles of the hand.

Visit – Visit friends, parks, places you have never been before. Have a change of environment. I’ve lived in my area for about 2 years but only got round to visiting Rochester Castle (in UK) about 2 weeks ago. Half an hour drive from me. Scenery - absolutely breath-taking. You can also hire a boat, as there is a river nearby. (Details on the page)

Walk – Leave the car at home if you are not going far. I remember years ago, I used to drive to just buy a newspaper. Now this would have just been a 20 minute walk. So, I tend to walk more now. Don’t have a car? Get off the bus a stop before your usual stop and walk – especially if it’s a lovely day. Burn off those calories.

xXx – Kiss and hug your little kids everyday if you can. They notice it and obviously as parents, it’s a joy to do.

Yoga - Yoga is very relaxing. Have you noticed that people who practice yoga never look their age? They always look younger than their age.

Zzzzzzzzz – Have enough sleep. At least 6 hours. You could even sometimes have a nap in the day time or at weekends, like I do. Recharge those batteries. One tip - anytime I have a mild headache, I sleep for about half an hour and when I wake up its gone. No medicine! (I can only do this at home though). So you see, sleeping is good for the body.

Thanks for reading.

Stay Happy and Healthy.