5 Ways To Having The Happiest Valentine's Day Ever! (Even When You’re Alone)Written by Marla Sloane
The thought of Valentine’s Day conjures up romantic evenings, a candlelight dinner, and long walks with your loved one. It is, without a doubt most romantic day of year. So how could you possibly be expected to enjoy Valentine’s Day when you’re alone? Well, while it might not be all hearts and flowers, you can still spread message of Valentine’s Day: Love. Over years, I’ve interviewed numerous people and asked them what their favorite Valentine’s Day memory was. Surprisingly, very few couples actually mentioned a gift or a special night out. In fact, most of people I interviewed remembered their special Valentine’s Day by things they did for others. Gifts they gave, whether they were store bought or home made that gave them feeling of joy and happiness. A heartwarming Valentine’s Day for Jacque from California, was when she was in charge of bringing little treats for her daughter’s 3rd grade class. After agonizing on what to do, she decided to make extra firm red Jell-O, and cut them into heart shapes. After running to store to get more mix, and spending a lot of time cutting out heart shapes, she was frustrated and wondered why she ever signed up for job in first place. Was this a big mistake? When she passed out treats in school, kids’ eyes lit up, and their sweet little voices filled room with laughter and excitement. All kids loved it! Jacque remembers feeling incredible that day. Her heart was glowing with happiness to see how much those kids loved her little treats. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our daily chores, that we often forget that children need to be remembered too. Teenagers often feel left out on Valentine’s Day, but a handsome Colorado man gave two giggling teenagers a Valentine’s Day they will never forget. Geoff was working on a resort property trimming trees, and noticed there were two smitten teenage girls sitting on balcony watching him while he was working. Geoff knew he would be finished on February 13th, and thought he would he would surprise them with a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day, and signed it, tree trimming guy. The girls were thrilled to get flowers on Valentines Day, and were still talking about it four years later! Geoff ranks that day as his all time favorite Valentine’s Day!
| | How Stressed Out Are You?Written by Marla Sloane
Stress, America’s #1 health problem, is a leading cause of major illness. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression are just some of harmful effects of stress. Research has shown that releasing stress and learning how to relax promotes a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.Take this quiz and see how you rate on your stress level! 1. I make time for myself every day. 2. I have a tendency to take on other people’s responsibilities. 3. I say “no” without feeling guilty. 4. I get impatient quickly with delays or changes. 5. While waiting for elevator, I press button more than once. 6. I am able to relax and unwind easily at end of day. 7. I laugh everyday. 8. I feel guilty when I just do nothing. 9. I feel “beaten up” sometimes at end of day. 10. I get disappointed in others often. 11. I have a hard time falling asleep at night. 12. I often forget to wear my watch. Results: If you answered yes to these questions. 1. Yes- You are creating an environment where you can release stress and stay in balance. Keep up good work! 2. Yes-You are doing too much, and are spreading yourself too thin. It would be a good idea to stay responsible for your work load, and revaluate why you are willing to take on other people’s responsibilities. 3.Yes- If you can say no and be okay with that; you are doing much better than most. By saying no, and not feeling guilty, you are setting your boundaries. You are also eliminating added stress. Kudos for you! 4. Yes- Becoming impatient and irritable quickly is a big sign that you are feeling a large amount of stress. When you are under stress, you react more rapidly than if you were relaxed. Take note of this, and observe how you react next time you are faced with an unexpected setback or change. 5. Yes- If you push elevator button more than once, chances are you are a type-A personality. You could have a tendency to live you life in a rushed and stressful way. Slow down…remember pushing button more than once isn’t going to make elevator go any faster. You have to learn to let go and chill. 6. Yes- If you can relax and unwind at end of day, you are dealing with stress management in a great way. Being able to relax is a sign that you are not bringing your work home with you, and you are putting your priorities in order. This is GREAT! 7. Yes- Laughter is one best ways to release stress, and staying in balance. Finding laugher in day is an excellent stress buster! 8. Yes- Feeling guilty when you are doing nothing is an indicator that you are living a lifestyle that is rushed, hurried, and stressful. Break yourself of that habit fast, and make it a priority to do nothing, and feel good about it. Your health depends on it! 9. Yes- Feeling “beaten up” at end of day means you are working way too hard. You can lighten up your work load, delegate your work, or get better organized to eliminate that feeling of heaviness. 10. Yes- When you are easily disappointed in others this means that you are expecting too much from wrong people. You are living in stress! Chances are you are doing too much for others too. Set your boundaries, and choose who you trust wisely. 11. Yes- Insomnia is a side effect of stress, Your mind is racing because it is conditioned to be working 24/7. It’s time to learn how to relax, set your boundaries, and keep your life in balance. 12. Yes- If you can get through day without your watch, you have conquered need to control your time. You can manage your time well.
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