With all that goes on in our everyday lives, its a wonder sometimes how we make it through the day. The stress from our jobs, providing for our families, and making sure the bills get paid on time are all a part of the day to day cycle called life. Stress happens but there are times when, if not dealt with properly, stress can really overtake us in a very unhealthy way. Did you know that stress is one of the top killers in our society that takes a severe toll on us physically, mentally, and emotionally? Stress can manifest in the forms of fibromyalgia, ulcers, arthritis, and depression to name a few.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with taking care of those near and dear to you but who can be closer to you than yourself? If you don't make a conscious effort to take care of yourself, then what will happen to those you do make the effort to care for if you are no longer around?

We can get so caught up in doing for others and making sure our extended network of responsibilities are taken care of that we forget to make time for the one person who does all these things: you!

I am excited to share with you ten tips you can do right now to begin the process of making time for yourself and finding a healthy balance in your life that will put you back in charge of your mental and physical health and minimize your stress level once and for all!

Tip 1. Get proper rest. When its time for bed, it can be difficult for us to fall asleep if we can't turn off our minds from the stresses of the day. We toss and turn all night thinking about what needs to get done the next day that before you know it, its morning, we hardly got any rest and now we enter our day feeling very irritable and unrested. Commit to giving yourself at least 7 hours of sleep every night.

Tip 2. Pray/Meditate. Begin and end each day with prayer or meditation to mentally prepare yourself for your day as well as to end each day. When you begin each day with a calm and positive attitude, you will be less likely to allow stress to overtake you. When you end each day in the same fashion, it will be easier for you to rest your mind therefore rest your body.

Tip 3. Exercise. Exercising is a great stress reliever as well as a great way to get in shape! Start small by walking and gradually incorporate other exercises to your routine. Don't cheat yourself by saying you don't have the time to work out; make time and make the commitment!

Tip 4. Put yourself on a fast. Take a break from the things that aren't contributing to a better you. Do you have to engage in gossip over the phone with your friends every night? Doing without this, you cut off the chance of letting others stress affect you. Or how about charging unnecessary items on your credit cards that you could do without? You can alleviate the stress of wondering how to pay those high interest payments by only using credit cards for emergencies.

Tip 5. Get involved in a home based business. It doesn't take much time to get involved and who wouldn't benefit from some residual income? Focus on something you are good at and build on it. Do you have items around the house that you don't use but could be of use to others? How about selling them on EBay? Do you like to cook? How about creating an e-book with your best recipes? The sky is the limit to what you can get involved with in home based businesses! You will only be successful at doing what you are good at and everyone is good at something!

Tip 6. Make a list. You wouldn't go grocery shopping without a list, right? To curb some of the stress of everyday tasks, make a list of the things you need to accomplish and as you complete them, cross them off the list. This is such a simple tip but it can aid in cutting the stress of trying to remember everything you need to do and getting frustrated when you forget some things.

Tip 7. Find your sanctuary. What types of things relax you? A massage? Bubble bath? Gardening? Curling up with a good book? Everyone has their own sanctuary but we often get too busy with the whirlwinds in our lives that we don't seek out places we can go to for refuge and relaxation. Tap into that and take the time to clear your mind.

Tip 8. Pamper yourself. Every now and then, it's perfectly okay to indulge in yourself. When you feel good mentally, your body has no choice but to follow!

Tip 9. Smile. This is one of the simplest gifts you can give yourself. Smiling sends out the message that all is well with you. The best part about smiling is that it is contagious and what you give, you receive.

Tip 10. Enjoy yourself. Have you ever been out with a friend who was just not good company and you didn't enjoy being out with them? Well, if you wouldn't want to be them, why would others want to be around you if you are always stressed out, irritable and moody? Learn to enjoy yourself, life, and those around you and it can make all the difference!

About the author

Tameka earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from West Chester University in Pennsylvania and currently works as a maternal social worker.

www.7thousandaweek.com www.urdailymoneymaker.com www.ebaywebwealth.com www.yourholidaysuccess.com

Tameka Alexander tamshouse@gmail.com 717-608-4010

(c)2007 Tamshouse Publishing

About the Author

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Tameka earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from West Chester University and is an up and coming entreprenuer and author.