You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;  you
have a right to be here.  And whether or not it is clear to you,  not doubt
the universe is unfolding as it should.
                        -- Max Ehrmann

-=- Thou Shalt Manage Thyself -=- 

Most people talk about managing time in order to have more of what life has
to offer, but it's only in managing  ourselves that we really see a
difference in our lives and are able to handle any stress life throws at us.

Manage yourself and other things will fall into place.

-=- Thou Shalt Control Thy Environment By Controlling Who And What Is
Surrounding You -=-

Life is like a teacup.  There's only so much "stuff" that will fit into it.
 If you fill your cup with the wrong things and the wrong people, you won't
have time for the right things and right people.

The wrong things and people bring stress. The right people and things bring
joy and contentment.

Choose who and what gets your time and attention.

-=- Thou Shalt Love Thyself  -=- 

Acknowledge yourself for the good you do! Be gentle with yourself when
things don't go as you might have wanted them to.  There are just some
things that you
can't control -- no matter how much you want to.

Love yourself for who you are right now -- at this very moment.

-=- Thou Shalt Reward Thyself -=- 

Leisure activities are otherwise known as recreational activities. When you
do things that bring you joy, you are re-creating your spirit.  Nurturing
your spirit is a great way to help you reduce stress.

Take time to do things that reward you, every day.

-=- Thou Shalt Exercise Thy Body  -=- 

Health and vitality depend on your body's ability to use oxygen and food
effectively.  One of the ways to help that happen is through exercise. 

Exercise also releases endorphins, which have been shown to improve one's
mood, making it a great way to deal with stress!

Move your body every day!

-=- Thou Shalt Relax Thyself -=- 

What do you do to really relax?  Do you even take the time, or know how to?

Meditation, listening to soothing music, spending time with friends and
people you love,  conscious breathing... these are all ways to really relax.

If your mind is pulled to the things that stress you, you aren't really
relaxed!

Take time to be absolutely quiet every day. 

-=- Thou Shalt Rest Thyself -=- 

It's important to take breaks.  Employers give you several during the day.
Take them.  If you work for yourself, it's critical to your success that
you take time to rest -- away from your office/desk -- takes naps if you're
feeling nappish! 

It's also important to get sufficient sleep.  Most people need at least
seven hours each night.  Good sleep habits include having a set bed time
and a set waking time. Did you know that if you don't get the amount of
sleep you need, you can be off (in your ability to think, respond and
judge) by as much as 50% the next day?  Following a pattern and
establishing a rhythm for yourself and your body help you be more relaxed
and less stressed during the day. 

Go to bed!  Don't apologize for wanting to "turn in" early!
 

-=- Thou Shalt be Aware of Thyself -=- 

Pay attention to your body.  It gives you clues as to what it needs, and
when something is wrong with it.  Also, know what makes you feel great, and
what makes you feel lousy.  Being able to recognize them will help you make
great decisions for yourself.

Also, listen to your intuition.  Your wise self never gives you the wrong
answers.  Your head, on the other hand, will almost always try to talk you
out of it.

Wake up and pay attention.  You learn all sorts of things this way!

-=- Thou Shalt Feed Thyself And Thou Shalt Not Poison Thy Body -=-

Our minds have really been polluted with ideas of what a "healthy" diet
looks like, and what "proper" nutrition is.  Learn about what things like
"low fat" prepared foods, sugar, fat, caffeine and tap water are really
doing to your body.  Improper nutrition causes stress in the body. It's not
hard to get the right information and make great choices for yourself.

Eat good stuff!!  Your body will thank you!

-=- Enjoy Thyself -=-

We've all seen stories of people who are diagnosed with some horrible
disease and given six months to live who have, in those last months, really
developed a love of life -- a desire to enjoy it all.

Well, forget about the person with only six months.... what about you?  You
probably only have 80 or so years... shouldn't each moment of your life be
utterly succulent too?

There's only so much time in this life.  Every moment of it is precious.
Make it all count.

When you do, you'll find you have less stress, fewer physical problems, and
that you're more productive. Look for the good/sweet/fun/joyous in every
situation, 
even when life seems less than fair.

You deserve the very best life has to offer, and life deserves the very
best you have to give!

Stacy Brice is a professional business coach and founder of AssistU--the premier organization
committed to training and coaching Virtual Assistants, and providing referrals to those
business owners who want to work with them. For more information about Virtual Assistance,
visit her website at http://www.assistu.com or email SBrice@AssistU.com.

Copyright © 1997-99 Stacy Brice. All rights reserved.