Here are some ideas for reducing the level of stress in your life. They are designed to be easy to do, and take very little time. Best of all, they really work!

Deep Breathing - If done for a couple of minutes during times when you feel stressed this has been shown to be as effective as meditating for 20 minutes a day!

The technique is simple.

• Inhale slowly through the nose to the count of four. As you inhale, expand your stomach, not your chest. Expanding the stomach forces you to stretch the diaphragm and bring much more oxygen into your lungs than is possible otherwise.
• Hold for the count of two.
• Release to the count of four, blowing the air through your lips. As you exhale, allow your stomach to contract.
• Repeat this a few times and imagine the tension that you feel being released with each exhale.

Positive Statements - These are great little sayings we have found to be very helpful in coping with stress and improving your performance.

• Do things simply.
• What you focus on becomes your life.
• If what you’re doing isn’t working, try something else.
• Remember that it is OK to relax your body.
• Spend at least 60% of conversation time listening to others.
• Be less busy and more effective.
• Challenge yourself to slow down and be more productive.
• Learn something from someone with whom you disagree.