Quick Lifts for Busy People

Americans are working more, sleeping less, and experiencing high levels of daily stress. Research shows that chronic stress is a higher predictor of cardiac disease than either smoking or a high-fat diet. New book shows how to recharge in minutes...anytime and anyplace.

(PRWEB) April 17, 2004 --Ever feel stressed out, down in the mouth, or a bit low on motivation? If so, you might be wistfully waiting for a vacation. But what can you do if you just got back from vacation, or your weekends are full, or your evenings are all spoken for?

Dont worry. According to life-balance expert Suzanne Zoglio, vacations are overrated...at least as far as managing stress is concerned. They are too few and too infrequent to be an effective antidote to the chronic daily stress that (according to a landmark study at the University of London) puts us more at risk for cardiovascular disease than either smoking or a high-fat diet.

Think about it as the rubber band theory," says Zoglio. Snap it once and it snaps back. Stretch it continually and it loses its resiliency. For ongoing mental, physical, and emotional energy, its important to refuel before your tank is empty." To help people recharge on a daily basis, Zoglio knew shed have to come up with quick-lifts that could be done anyplace, anytime. So although she thinks bubble baths, naps, and walks on the beach are great, you wont find any such suggestions in her new book (Recharge in Minutes, Tower Hill Press, 2003). Instead, she offers 101 ways to refuel in less time than it takes for a coffee break. So the next time your confidence takes a hit (how many criticisms can one person take in a day?), your portfolio tumbles (shrinking your nest egg), or your urgent to-do pile is so tall its leaning like the Tower of Pisa (and your energy is sinking just as fast), dont wait for vacation. Try one of these quick-lifts...and recharge wherever you are.

1.   Stop to Really Breathe. Sit quietly, inhale to the count of six as if filling a balloon just above your waist and then slowly exhale, feeling your balloon deflate and any tension subside. Repeat 3-6 times.
2.   Keep a Commitment to Yourself. Its easy to sell off little pieces of yourself by keeping commitments to everyone but you! List 6 things youve been meaning" to do, and take one step toward one of your intentions in the next ten minutes. Suspend all of your shoulds" for a few minutes and see how good it feels to do one thing thats important to you.
3.   Throw One Back. Consider one little fish" that you caught without trying...from a friend, a boss, or family member. Now, shore up your courage, admit that you over-committed, and throw it back.
4.   Get Physical. If your mind is in overdrive, give it a rest and let your feet take over for 5 minutes. Run up and down stairs. Go weed in the garden. Do jumping jacks, or a dozen sit-ups...or sprint to the store for a latte.
5.   Unplug from Civilization. Turn on your voice mail and shut your door. Close your eyes and retreat to a favorite place. Hear the rain as youve heard it before, and smell the musty earth. Feel the sun caress your skin...and let it melt the tension. Stay for ten minutes; then as you leave, carry with you the serenity you experience in nature.
6.   Get Out of the Blame Game. When life is spinning out of control, dishing out the unexpected, its easy to get caught up in finger pointing. The problem is that until you focus on what you can do, youll experience the stress of low control. Forget whos responsible and figure out what you need to do next.
7.   Keep the Faith. What we think influences how we feel, and how we feel influences how we act. When you suffer a blow, bounce back with the encouraging words youd offer a friend. Recite a favorite prayer, read an inspiring quote, or just repeat silently, I can handle this" or The universe conspires on my behalf."
8.   Dream Your Life Forward. Bad situations are less stressful if we believe that theyre temporary. Pretend its two years from now and you are writing to a close friend. Describe where youre living, what youre doing, who brings you joy, and how you are making a difference. Dare to dream...and write it down.
9.   Turn Complaints into Questions. When you complain, you drain your brain. Its an admission that youve hit a dead-end. Instead, turn every gripe into a question that gets your brain fired up in search of a solution. Change My luck stinks" to How can I turn this to my advantage?" or What can I learn from this?" or Who could help me with this challenge?" Help coworkers and friends turn their gripes into questions too. Soon youll be doing your part to stop global whining!
10.   Go on a Life-Is-Great Date. When youve had a streak of bad luck, lift yourself up. Who needs a special treat when youre high on success? Its when youre stressed that you need abundance. Make plans to meet a friend, eat at a favorite restaurant, ...or just take a noontime walk with Mother Nature!

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For other energizing tips or to read an excerpt of Recharge in Minutes by Suzanne Zoglio, visit www.zoglio.com.