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http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Celebrating-The-Life-Of-Natalie-Cole.html?soid=1105174301993

By Tammi C. Walker, Life Coach of Dreams Are A Reality
www.dreamsareareality.com

How do you know when you are stressed? Generally I have two indicators.  My lower back will be killing me and I get acne.  I am doing good because I was not getting acne for some years now. But with work and school, I am seeing some bumps appear.  Let me stop you right now bumps.  :-) We all get stressed. It can be from work, school, our kids, our family, a relationship, finances, health or many other factors.  I have a list of things I do to keep my stress in check and it works.  Don't judge me either over some of my items.  :-)  Just kidding.

1. Journal.  I try to journal every day. It truly works.  While I am doing this, some days I am adding my daily, weekly, monthly and very long term goals.
2. Jump on my trampoline/rebounder.  The trampoline keeps my cells in line, helps the oxygen flow better and I get a good night's rest after I do it.
3. Play tennis - The energy I feel after a game of tennis is amazing.  Generally it is the next day that my energy goes up. 
4. Sing karaoke and yes I am darn good at it too! I also sing duets with other karaoke singers from all around the world on line. LOVE IT! 
5. Watch a funny sitcom or my favorite shows. Empire, Being Mary Jane, old episodes of Sanford and Son, Martin as well as some of Tyler Perry's shows. 
6. Watch the Chicago Bulls or football.  I won't say the Bears persay because they elevate my stress.  :-) Any sports basically I love to watch.
7. Crank up my music and dance.  I love music. I also download some old school music.
8. Meditate - Don't do it as much as I need to but it truly helps!!
9. Carry my spiritual books with me.  My Mom left me with some great books. They are small and fit in your purse. I have a few of them with me and I MUST pull them out at work some days. 
10. Talk to Eddy, my sisters my relatives and good friends.  Talking to others helps. You can hear their problems (smile) or hear their voice. It is soothing. - This is a tough one because you may want to avoid some people. I am serious here too.   

I can actually keep going but these are some great tools.  Do you have a list in place? What do you do when you are stressed? Keep your list in your head or on paper and put a plan in place. 

Take care of yourself now friend.  You are the only you you got.