Exercise regularly. Some form of exercise works wonders on how you feel, how happy you are, how you handle problems and stress. I run five miles before breakfast each morning. Choose an exercise that is best for you.
Take a break. For example, in job situations, most employers allow 15 minutes in the morning and in the afternoon. Do something relaxing: pleasure reading, resting the eyes, even napping if possible. The refreshment felt is very evident.- Realize that the old saying, "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today," is still good advice. Allowing things to build up only increases stress and tension.
Give an honest, good day's work. Not only is this the right thing to do, it lessens the chances of having to take work home, which should not be done except in rare instances. Time at home should be devoted to family, Church responsibilities and relaxing.
Reserve at least one day or night per week for activities. We have a date night, which is most often Saturday. We ride our motorcycles, see historic sites, visit friends, do family history research, etc.
Keep your office, desk, briefcase and home organized. A sloppy environment where you have trouble finding things increases stress, wastes time and causes fatigue.
Of course, there are the most important things that all should do in any circumstances - pray, keep the commandments, read the scriptures and attend Church meetings. - Walter W. Mitchell, Salisbury, N.C.
HOW WE DID IT:
Early to bed
Being in high school, I don't always have a rested mind or body. Here's what helps me:
Set an early time to go to bed and wake up. Try to go to bed by 9 p.m. and get up by 6 a.m. This way you get nine hours of sleep a night.
Exercise regularly. Do some sort of exercise at least three times a week. Not only will you be more fit, but you'll feel better and have more energy.
Set aside time each day for regular scripture study, and pray each morning and evening. This will help rest your spirit.
Have a positive attitude. Believe in yourself. The happier you are, the better you feel. - Kim Ruggles, Palestine, Texas
Struggled greatly
Five years ago I was involved in an automobile accident and a year ago was re-injured in a second accident. All of a sudden I was unable to do what I was used to, and I struggled greatly because I couldn't work like I wanted to and care for my family as I had before. As I prayed for understanding and patience, the Lord tenderly - and sometimes with great effort on my part - taught me to relax and to know that it was OK to play sometimes and not worry or think about anything to do with work. We are often so caught up with being perfect parents, fulfilling our Church stewardships and doing well at our employment that we forget to rest and play. My advice would be to do the following:
Pray for understanding; the Spirit will teach us all things if we only ask. The Lord knows us and will help each of us find methods that work for us.
Find something relaxing you enjoy - sports, crafts, reading, gardening, hiking, taking long walks.
Plan to play more. Whether it be with your spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, plan time regularly to do something you enjoy or find relaxing. Make it a priority. - Janeen Carter, Tooele, Utah
One task at a time
After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I was cautioned not to become over-tired or over-stressed. To accomplish everyday tasks and Church or community assignments, I found the following to be helpful:
Almost every job can be broken into smaller portions. If I work an hour a day I can get my flower bed weeded in two weeks; if I have 15 minutes to iron, I can get all the white shirts done, a letter can be written a paragraph at a time, and I try to never go to an appointment without a lesson to review or a box of thank-you notes to write while I wait.
A shopping list saves time, energy and usually money, too. A mental plan for the day usually allows me to accomplish the one or two most important things before my energy runs out. I haven't vacuumed or mopped my entire house at one time in years, but one room at a time is easy. - Sue Blosser Reber, Bunkerville, Nev.
Live Word of Wisdom
The three things you can do to avoid using up all your energy would be the following:
Develop enthusiasm for your work. This can be accomplished by organizing yourself so you don't feel overwhelmed, setting attainable goals and rewarding yourself for your accomplishments.
Find a profession you really enjoy and are interested in. Don't just go into a job because it pays good money.
"Sharpen your saw," or, in other words, keep yourself mentally and physically sharp. In D&C 88:124, we are instructed to work hard, but we also should get all the rest we need. The Word of Wisdom in D&C 89 teaches us to take care of ourselves physically. We should eat grains and fruits, and we should eat meats sparingly. I believe that if we commit ourselves in prayer to the Lord and that if we will follow the Word of Wisdom, He will bless us with physical and mental energy. - Scott Adamson, Miami, Fla.
`We laugh'
Because my husband is a busy bishop and provider, we have found that having family home evening is a way for our family to slow down, especially after Sunday meetings and schedules. On Monday nights, as a family, we make sure that we plan a fun activity either outside the home, which gets us away from our normal stress level, or we just stay home. We have a simple gospel lesson with singing of Primary songs. We laugh together, which always seems to rejuvenate all of us.
There is always a date night once a week for my husband and me. There are times we sit around the piano and sing, which releases a lot of tension, or we listen to music, whether it be the Tabernacle Choir or soothing classical music. Music has been one of the biggest influences of my life and my family's life. By it has come a lot of stress, as I am a music teacher and my husband sings. But also, by it has come much peace, as we always seem to turn to it when we need tensions released and our spirits calmed. - Anne Woolley, Kenosha, Wis.
As they come
Through my years of teaching school, of being a school counselor, of being a bishop and working in the temple, I took care of my physical needs by eating the proper foods.
During my life, I've learned that along the way, you do as much as you can do. At times, you have to put things of lesser importance aside. You have to take care of things as they come.
You need relaxation. I find that Church work is a form of relaxation, because it gets me away from the pressures of other responsibilities in my life. - Lynn Barker, Shelley, Idaho
HOW TO CHECKLIST:
1 Take time for prayers, scriptures for spiritual reserves.
2 Organize yourself; break jobs down into tasks.
3 Exercise regularly; keep the Word of Wisdom.
4 Take time for self, loved ones; take time to laugh.
WRITE TO US:
Aug. 6 "How to heal after a broken dating relationship."
Aug. 13 "How to have harmonious relationships at home, work, Church."
Aug. 20 "How to avoid being over-protective of your children."
Aug. 27 "How to recognize and overcome jealousy."
Sept. 3 "How to avoid making fun of others."
Sept. 10 "How to deal with unruly children in a home or Church setting."
Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, or send fax to (801) 237-2121. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.
