Resolve 2013: Jenna Bayley-Burke Discusses Reducing Stress

Help me give a warm welcome to Jenna Bayley-Burke, author of Drive Me Crazy. Let’s see what she has to say about my New Year’s resolution to Reduce Stress.

Jenna: Oh my, stress. Those little bumps in the road of life that throw off your alignment and leave you veering straight into the ditch. For me, it’s like taking care of a car. I can do anything if I’m well looked after, but the second I’m neglected, watch out. It’s a blown timing belt that throws off everything else and the next thing I know I’m dropping a few grand at the hospital and stuck there for longer than anyone should be.

Managing stress for me is all about taking care of the little things so they don’t become big things which then cause even worse thing and….feel the stress?

Keep the tank full – Eat well. Think of food as fuel for your body. You’re not going to get as far on a bag of doughnuts as you will on an omelet. Think of all you have to do when choosing what to eat.

Let the motor warm up – Too often we jump from zero to sixty and then seize up. We’re not prepared, there is too much going on, so much to do you’re not sure where to start. Make a to-do list, check your calendar or even meditate. Yes, meditate. It doesn’t have to be chanting or anything uncomfortable. Just sitting in a chair and sweeping out the cobwebs of your mind.

Do a safety checklist – Just like you’d check the tires before a long trip, make sure you have what you need before you head out for the day. It is amazing how much time you can save yourself by taking a moment to mentally run through your day and pack your handbag accordingly. Schedule those appointments you’ve been putting off. Every time you ‘remember’ you need to see the dentist, doctor, or lawyer stress builds up.

Open the throttle as often as you can – Exercise. Find something you like to do – watch Chopped on the elliptical, bike ride with the kids, shake it in Zumba, speed clean your house – get that heart rate up so the endorphins flow.

Wash and wax – Take care of yourself. It’s amazing how much better we all feel after a hot shower. Getting our hair done. Pedicures, manicures, eyebrow waxing, eyelash extensions, etc. Even something as simple as replacing your go-to white tee with a new version that isn’t decorated with washed out splatters of who knows what can lift your mood and make you feel more in control.

Park in the garage – Get a good night’s sleep. Your body knows how to repair the daily wear and tear, but only if you let it. When you’re feeling the stress, don’t sleep in front of the TV or where you might be awakened by a flailing leg or loud snoring (animal or human). Stress builds. Don’t let it.

Good luck! I’ll be checking back to see what everyone else had to recommend for reducing stress.

I love Jenna’s analogy…and advice. It’s perfect. You can find her at: her website | GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog| Pinterest.

Today I’m posting with Jessa Slade on her resolution to get organized. And don’t forget to support your local authors by becoming a “fan” on Goodreads.

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