5 Tips to Reduce Stress & Guilt
By Victoria Cook , The Guilt-Free Coach

Stess and guilt seem to go hand-in-hand. As a working parent, there seems to be plenty of both to go around! Below are a couple of quick tips that can greatly reduce feelings of stress and guilt creating greater life harmony.

1. Consciously choose what you want to do

When you say “Yes” to one thing, you are automatically saying “No” to something else. Think about that the next time a request comes your way and be conscious about what it is you’ll need to say “No” to in order to say yes.

2. Let go of the need to conform to the expectations of others

A dear friend of mine recently said that turning 40 was liberating in that she no longer felt the need to please anyone! Why wait until you’re 40 (or 50 or 60 etc.) to begin making decisions that are in the best interest of you and your family?

3. Create a balanced view for your life

Take into account your season of life. Are you currently a corporate climber or business owner growing your business? Do you have young children? Older children (seasoned parents say kids need you MORE in the teen years than you think they will)? Are you an empty nester? Take these things into consideration as you create your vision for a balanced life. Ensure your own expectations match up with the reality of your life situation.

4. Say Yes to the RIGHT things

It’s not about saying no to everything but evaluating your response to make the best decision for you AND the requester. If saying yes to a request is going to add a level of excitement, energy or fulfillment to your life (even if it means taking away some of that precious time), it’s likely something you’ll want to accept. In contrast, saying yes to a request that will create feelings of resentment, being used, and drains on your energy aren’t in your best interest or that of the requester.

5. Care for your body, mind and spirit

I know, it SOUNDS selfish, but in reality if you aren’t at your best, how can you GIVE your best? Do something for your body, mind, and spirit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis and watch your energy increase! This leads to a happier person / parent / spouse / employee and benefits everyone!

About the Author
Victoria Cook, The Guilt-Free Coach, helps ambitious working Moms create more time and focus to accomplish their goals, grow their business, and live guilt-free! Get free resources for increasing YOUR time and reducing stress at http://www.theguiltfreecoach.com/gift.

5 Tips to Reduce Stress & Guilt © 2005 - 2008 Victoria Cook. All rights reserved.

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