Managing Stress

Just looking at the news increases stress these days.

Here are 5 tips for managing stress before it manages you.

• Take a walk AND practice deep breathing simultaneously.
• Get together with friends. Social support is even more important during stressful times.
• Eat healthy foods and choose what you REALLY enjoy.
• Listen to your favorite music.
• Go to the beach and feel the sand between your toes.

Business Meetings for Couple Relationships?

Sue and Joe decided they no longer wanted to discuss finances, weekend plans, family outings and vacations as they were getting ready to go out the door in the morning. Making decisions at the end of an exhausting work day also didn't work.

Sue commented to Joe, "Maybe we have to schedule a business meeting." He thought that was a great idea and suggested they meet weekly for lunch. It would be a break for both. They decided to borrow ideas from their corporate careers, including creating an agenda via email followed by a meeting to share ideas, make plans and take action.

Sue recommended they "field test" this plan for a month and treat it like a work commitment. Not surprisingly, they recognized the value of having uninterrupted, focused time and being together. Both were pleased with the resulting changes and reduced stress.