Hi Subscriber,

This week we are going slightly wide of topic with a guest authour. Although this isn't what I would normally talk to you about, I do believe it is an extremely important topic for us as Mumpreneurs. There are always times when stress gets the better of us and I find it really handy to have an 'on-call' list to remind me of some of the things I can do to calm right down.

So here it is...

If you are like many of us, forever multitasking, aiming for perfectionism but forever falling short of your perceived ideal, then welcome to the world of stress we create for ourselves. If you've been feeling a little tense lately, o verwhelmed with busyness, experiencing aches and pains, stomach upsets and fuzzy thinking, then perhaps your body is trying to tell you something! Coolum health promotion consultant Krishna Everson of Vitality Options shares ways to lighten the load with these simple stress busting ideas which have been compiled with the help of local residents.

1. Take the dog for a walk along the boardwalk.
2. Burn some relaxing essential oil, try Lavender, Neroli, Clary Sage, or Geranium.
3. Take a bath in a candlelit room with some calming music.
4. Weed the garden.
5. Take regular time out to pray.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Phone a friend.
8. Read a book of inspirational thoughts.
9. Lie under a tree looking up at the sky with your headphones on playing your favourite relaxing music.
10. Watch a funny movie for some light relief.
11. Do something creative.
12. Enjoy the journey. Instead of asking am I there yet let things happen in their own time.
13. Sing in the shower at the top of your voice.
14. Take at mental vacation. Close your eyes and take a moment to imagine your favourite place until you feel better.
15. Reevaluate. When faced with a potential conflict situation ask yourself: is there a threat here? Is it really worth a fight? If I fight will it really make a difference?
16. Breathe deeply and slowly to counteract the reverse acute stress response.
17. Take 5 minutes outside breathe deeply and slowly which reverses acute stress response (fight or flight).
18. Check your posture. Are your shoulders down and back straight?
19. Drink plenty of water. 200ml every hour will keep you hydrated which will reduce fatigue and help you to function to your full capacity.
20. Learn to recognise your stress signals. Once you are aware them, use an appropriate technique from this list each time they arise.
21. Have a full body massage. Massage is relaxing and rejuvenating, relieves tight muscles and eliminates bi-products of stress.
22. Do one thing at a time. Work out what is most important, and do that first.
23. Be a kid! Take time to play once and a while, it will bring a smile to your face.
24. Learn to say no - especially when already feeling over-extended.
25. Reduce or quit the caffeine. Too much caffeine mimics acute stress response.
26. Get plenty of sleep. For best results retire and wake at the same time each day.
27. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Poor nutrition leads to sluggishness, fatigue and reduce your ability to cope.
28. Watch less TV.
29. Pace yourself Rome wasn't built in a day.
30. Dwell on the positive.