I Resolve To . . . 'Chill Baby Chill'!

Worry and stress are frequent-flyers in our fast-paced, technology-laden, consumer-driven, multi-tasking society.  Since the economy tanked last year, they have become near-constant, unwanted, undesirable companions for many who are suffering.  In addition to tending to all the 'usual' concerns and responsibilities that cascade from our 'In-Boxes' , we watch in horror as our retirement money evaporates.  We wonder if there will be a job to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.  As we struggle to contend with circumstances that are far beyond our 'control', it is vitally important to pay close attention to simple 'self-care' - and nurture a determination to 'Chill Baby Chill.'  There are so many beneficial habits that we can incorporate into our day-to-day lives if we are interested, willing and committed.  The 'self-care' that I'm advocating includes:    Greater balance, adequate rest, more relaxation, daily exercise, good food, and time to do things that we love, with our loved ones. 

Personally, I am determined to 'Chill Baby Chill' in 2009, as part of my I Resolve To . . . Challenge:  365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness.  Why not join me?  The objective is very simple:  Do at least one thing each and every day to promote health and happiness for 'YOU'.  Banish the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'.  Instead, make every day New Year's Day.  Make every day count.  The list of possibilities is infinite and can be tailored to your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  If you need some help - a little nudge, a bit of inspiration, tips, advice, and news about the best ways to make resolutions a reality - please use IResolveTo.Com as one of your resources.  Resolve365 in 2009!

Burning the candle at both ends tends to dominate my lifestyle.  I'm self-employed and devoted to my creative projects, hobbies and volunteer activities.  Single-minded tunnel vision can promote stress, fatigue, burnout, and a scarcity of time to simply 'relax and have fun'.  I'm well aware of the changes that I permanently need to make to gain more balance.  I am taking steps to gradually incorporate those changes, so that I don't have to turn my life upside overnight.  I'm practicing what I preach:  Chasing dreams and making change one small step at a time, one day at a time.  It's amazing what you can accomplish over weeks, months and years; but you have to be determined, willing to learn the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' of the change you are proposing, and committed enough to build a plan and follow though.  Here are some of the things that I'm doing to build 'Chill Time' into my lifestyle:

1.  Working to make better use of time by planning my days more effectively, tackling my priorities 'first', saying 'no' to activities when I am over-booked, and spending less time checking E-mail, and performing other recurring tasks that are time-vampires (if you're not careful).
2. Working to educate myself about the ill effects of stress, worry, over-work, and burnout.
3. Cleaning and organizing my house and work space - an organized space lends itself to productivity, calmness, and a general feeling of achievement and well being.  I love a clean house and office!
4. Meditating for 10-15-minutes each day, exercising for 30-minutes each day (which helps me to relax since I walk, bike, swim, and do Yoga), and sleeping for eight hours.
5. Taking a day, or two, off on the weekend (even when I feel that I should be working, either on creative projects, or business-related work).  Body and mind speak, loud and clear, when it is time to kick back and be 'lazy'.  Listening to those messages can promote increased health and happiness.

If you are interested in reading more about the ill-effects of stress and worry - and the benefit of rest and relaxation - have a look at these websites and articles:

• Loyola College In Maryland - Relaxation And Self Care
• About.Com - Understanding, Managing & Preventing Burnout
• Loyola College In Maryland - Relaxation Tips, Resources & Websites
• American Institute Of Stress - The Role Of Stress In Health & Illness
• MayoClinic.Com - Relaxation Techniques:  Learn Ways To Calm Your Stress

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Kim Simpson, a former journalist, provides communications, fundraising services and strategic planning, for Members of Congress, non-profit organizations, corporations, and associations in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. A self-employed entrepreneur, with more than 30 years of experience, she launched IResolveTo.Com in 2005 in an effort to help others to achieve their New Year Resolutions, Dreams and Goals. Her motto is: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.^TM Let's 'Go For It'.

Get your daily dose of inspiration at: http://www.iresolveto.com - As added incentive, why not make and keep your New Year Resolution by wearing it? Drop by: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

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