More From 50 Productivity Boosters:

Ideas for Increasing Your Energy and Reducing Your Stress

In our last issue of Winning LifeStyles, we looked at two attitude changes and four action steps you can make to increase your energy and/or reduce your stress.  Let’s look at two more attitude shifts and four actions that can make an important difference in the quality of your life.         

ATTITUDE #3:

Exercise is a privilege

"If I'd known how long I was going to live, I'd have taken better care of myself.' --Adolph Zukor at age 99

  We are very fortunate in this country to be able to go to health clubs, community centers and parks to exercise. There are plenty of activities to get us moving and active: we can go to stores and buy equipment, audio tapes, videotapes and a variety of gizmos and gadgets that motivate and enable us to become healthier.  Too often, we wait until we're sick, in recovery or burned out before we create the space in our lives to exercise.  If you ever begin to forget the privilege of even walking, consider Christopher Reeve and how passionately he would like to go for a walk around the block.

ATTITUDE #4:  

Recognize that this too shall pass

You're probably familiar with the saying, "This too shall pass."  I would like to add an addendum to it: "This too shall pass, how do I want to feel when it has?"  Time flies.  Our busy-ness, technology and unlimited daily opportunities stretch us to the point where we don't have time to consider how we want to "be" when the crunch/crisis/disaster is over.  Reflect today on something that you're anxious to have pass.  What are you doing today to enjoy the journey despite the challenge?  What do you want to commit to do so that you don't bum out or miss the memorable moments?  For example, kids grow up so quickly  Their time with you "shall pass."  But this passing time can be made sweeter as you create memories that last for both of you. What memories are you creating today?

ACTION #5:

Balance rest and relaxation

Rest and relaxation are not the same.  "Rest" is about recharging through inactivity, sleeping or napping. "Relaxation" is about lightening up---and loosening up.  The dictionary describes it as "lessening of severity of worry, work or effort."  Relaxation may be passive, such as sitting by a creek, listening to nature and watching the water flow by, without any thoughts of work or problem-solving.  (Sleep can be a very busy time for problem-solving.)  Relaxation can also be active: talking with friends, watching a funny movie or reading a book are all forms of relaxation. (As long as the book is not self-help!)  You can use your imagination and creativity to relax.  Although sometimes you may need to use creativity and imagination to fall asleep, rest is more about getting to sleep and staying in that state for as long as possible to recharge your body, spirit and mind. (For more information on better sleeping habits and methods for sleeping better, contact the Winning LifeStyles office and ask for a copy of "Snoozing Your Way to Success.")

ACTION #6:

Quit smoking

Any questions?

ACTION #7:

Call a friend

Talking with a friend, whether in person or on the phone--sorry, e-mail doesn’t count as quite the same thing...yet--provides you with encouragement, laughs, support, new ideas and connection.  All these qualities are sorely lacking in many of our work environments.  A ten-minute call today could give you a boost that lasts for days.  Who can you call today?  You'll lift their spirits as well!

ACTION # 8:

Be grateful

This is a great time of year to reflect on things that you are grateful for having in your life.  Who are you grateful for?  What accomplishments are you proud of having achieved this year?  What character qualities do you appreciate having developed this year?  Share your list with your family or with those you work with.

CALL US: 888.LIF.WALK

Kate is a senior partner with CLC, Inc.