How to Practice Guilt-Free Self Care in Times of Stress

• Simplify your life as much as you can.

• Clean out your clutter, your closets, drawers, under your bed, your desk, and even your garage, take the things you aren't using to Goodwill. Get rid of it if you haven't used it in the last six months.

• Slow down and "be aware".

• Take time to eat and sleep.

• Shower with your favorite fragrance soap, warm, soft fluffy robe and relax before getting dressed.

• Eat healthy, exercise and drink water.

• Create a living space and quiet time for meditation, reflection, reading and rest. Listen to your thoughts.

• Set priorities.

• Set goals for yourself. Think about what you want in life and what you need to do to make your life the way you want it. Write your goals down.

• Envision your perfect day, use your imagination, If you know what you want and where you want to go its easier to get there.

• Don't spend money you don't have!

• Don't focus on things you can't change. Can you do anything about the stock market? Does it change anything if you watch the market ten hours a day? Then why watch it?

• Be yourself and allow other to be who they are. When we judge others, we are also judging ourselves. Be authentic.

• Make laughter a priority.

• Create moments of Inspiration and imagination. Be artistic.

• This one is very sounds so easy and is probably the most difficult...take the time to learn to communicate effectively.

• Don't let people suck your energy!

• If you are allowing someone to create anxiety, realize you have choices, you can delete the email and not read it, not answer the phone or chose to not be with that person. Just remember we all have choices.

• Spend time with family, friends, people, animals and things that make you happy!

• Every chance you get, kiss and tell your loved ones that you love them.

• When someone compliments you simply say "yes thank you"!

• Communicate with family members on their way to work! Occasionally make plans with your children or grandchildren for later in the day.

• Celebrate, birthdays, anniversaries, first days of school, last days of school, anything and everything! If you bring good energy into your living space it makes the world a better place. Whatever you think becomes reality and whatever you do you get more of....so CELEBRATE and dance to the music!

• Look at my calendar and plan the day. Plan something fun to do with a friend and laugh until it hurts!

• Play with your neighbors' children and then surprise them with an ice cream cone. (I love this one)

• Get on the Internet and look for free tickets to go to see Oprah or Ellen or a concert.

• Volunteer to help the candidate you are supporting for President. (great way to meet new people)

• Smile and say hello to 5 people you see today.

• Start attending to your own needs and honor them. Feel your real feelings and you will come to know what is best for yourself.

• Trust yourself and love yourself. Create the life you want and the relationships you want. Try a guiltless way to live.

• Remember there is no try we either do or we don't do!

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Janie Behr CSW, MSSW, CLC is an international speaker, life coach and author, with more than 25 years of experience. Janie has developed a unique way of presenting sensitive topics in a high-energy, thought-provoking way. Janie's seminars, webinars, speaking events and coaching practice helps people identify their thoughts and actions that are keeping them from reaching their goals.

Janie is a certified life Coach trained by Dr. Martha Beck, bestselling author and life columnist for The Oprah Magazine! Her education, professional life and personal experiences give her a unique insight and powerful message to share.

Janie writes articles for various publications and has been quoted as an expert in her field. She has also written several books including "Six Keys to Unlock the Power of positive Change" aimed at analyzing and finding solutions to help families and businesses have a healthy and more successful future.

[http://www.janiebehr.com]