E-Quipped to... Stop and Smell the Roses!

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E-Quipped to... Stop and Smell the Roses!

This newsletter refers to 'Invest in Yourself', a comprehensive article found on my website.

I am certain that many of you have heard the expression “Stop and smell the Roses”. The original and correct full quote attributed to golfer extraordinaire Walter Hagen in 1956, is … “You are only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry and be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”

As February is Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month it is the perfect time to stop and assess our lifestyle.

Claire Newton -smell the roses

Image by: Sonny Abesamis

Each year most of us start with New Year’s resolutions and strive to make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, to eat healthy, exercise more and try to avoid bad habits, yet we struggle to maintain manageable stress levels. It’s these high stress levels that make us hurry, worry and prevents us stopping to “smell the flowers along the way”.

It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, your career and family responsibilities will always be demanding and there will never be more hours in the day. But… you have more control than you might think. In fact, the simple realization that you’re in control of your life is at the heart of all stress management.

Managing stress is all about taking charge of your thoughts and feelings as well as practical things like your schedule and the way you deal with challenges.

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by nurturing yourself. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be more able to handle life’s stressors.

For insight into why "nurturing yourself is a necessity" read: Stressed to Kill.

Healthy Ways to Relax and Recharge

Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be watching the birds and insects outside, playing a musical instrument, or working on your motorbike.
Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress. Call a friend, go for a walk with your children, share a meal or drink with people you like.
Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways. Watch a comedy, share a joke.
Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries. Get a massage, curl up with a good book or play with your pet.

Whatever you choose to do – be sure to stop and smell the roses!

For more tips on how to relax and recharge read: Invest in Yourself.

What do YOU Think?

Share your wisdom with others… How can we nurture ourselves?

Leave your comments here

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Thank you for the Feedback

Thanks to Craig, Deon, Creesen and Lorna for the feedback after last month's newsletter. It's so encouraging to receive positive comments. I really appreciate your taking the time to give me the feedback.

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About These Newsletters

You may have been forwarded this email by a friend. In that case, allow me to introduce myself. I am a psychologist, speaker, trainer, coach and hat lover based in Durban, South Africa.

My goal is to inspire you to make the changes necessary to live the life of your dreams! I believe that by developing your YOU-Q - the term I have created to describe your unique intelligence, creativity and wisdom - you can find your Inner winner and live a Be-YOU-tiful life right now.

On my website you'll find more ideas to get you thinking about life, love, work and other important STUFF.

Contact me for more information or visit the website:

+27 82 491 1136
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www.clairenewton.co.za

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