My daily needs.

1. Write down two moments of happiness and two moments of lows this day.

2. Write down another person's strong view.

3. Write down today's adversity, set back or dark moment.

4. Have a green tea.

5. Perform Reike just for 5 or 6 minutes on my head, throat, heart, sternum, sex and lifeforce chakras just before I sleep.

6. Perform a random act of kindness. It is in giving without thinking of a reward that we truly find happiness.

7. Write down 3 things I am hearing, seeing, touching, sensing, smelling, hoping and thinking recently.

Neither should I ever forget to:

Control My Anger:
Watch for the next instance in which I find myself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant, then practice letting go - make a conscious choice not to become angry or upset. Do not allow myself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved. Effective anger management is a tried-and-true stress reducer.

Breathe:
Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. If I have a few minutes, try out breathing exercises such as meditation or guided imagery.

(Breathe in) Look, Look. < Breathe out> What a wonderful sight this is that brings me back to myself.

(Breathe in) Listen, Listen. < Breathe out> What a wonderful sound this is that brings me back to myself.

I can do this to the rays of sunsine coming in through the bedroom window in the morning, to a sunset, to a bird flying overhead, to the sound of churchbells or with the sighting of a blue sky.

Slow Down:
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. I will find that I will think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down my speech I'll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.

Complete One Simple To Do:
Jump start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing I have been putting off (e.g. returning a phone call, making a doctor's appointment) and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energizing and can improve my attitude.

Get Some Fresh Air:
Get outdoors for a brief break. Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air. Don't be deterred by foul weather or a full schedule. Even five minutes on a balcony or terrace can be rejuvenating.

Avoid Hunger and Dehydration:
Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration, even before you're aware of them, can provoke aggressiveness and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.

Do a quick posture check:
Hold my head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress.

Recharge at the day's end:
Plan something rewarding for the end of my stressful day, even if only a relaxing bath or half an hour with a good book. Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow myself to fully relax. Don't spend this time planning tomorrow's schedule or doing chores I didn't get around to during the day. Remember that I need time to recharge and energize myself - I'll be much better prepared to face another stressful day.