How to Rest in the Midst of Personal Change

A very dear friend of mine is fond of saying, “a change is as good as a rest.” She does little things like changing her shoes after a long day at work, putting on a pair of slippers or walking shoes and then starting the next activity with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Imagine my surprise when I decided to give this piece of home-grown wisdom a try. She was right! I began to change my shoes or clothing--particularly after very intense or stressful activities--and became energized and renewed too! Varying your routine in the midst of personal change can be as good as a rest. So here are 12 steps you can take to rest while going through change.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Celebrate your accomplishments and any small successes you achieve this week. Reward yourself with time-outs, stress reducing activities or personal presents.

2. 

   Don’t overly dwell on your failure moments. We all have them. They make us grow stronger. Learn from them to increase your opportunities for success in the future.

3. 

   Carve out at least 10-15 minutes each day to spend alone—any way you choose. Put it on your calendar to ensure that it gets done.

4. 

   Take long relaxing walks. Reflect on the scenery and environment around you. Notice little things like a blade of grass or the shape of a leaf.

5. 

   Get plenty of sleep (whatever amount is appropriate for you). This will maintain good health, boost your immune system and diminish the effect of disease.

6. 

   Laugh a lot—especially if you have a hard time doing so. See the good humor in children playing and the antics of birds and other animals.

7. 

   Get a checkup and physical exam. Implement whatever strategies are needed to promote good health. Take vitamins and other supplements to keep your energy at its most productive level and to effectively manage stress.

8. 

   Start writing in a personal journal. Record as many positive thoughts, actions—whatsoever is lovely about you.

9. 

   Re-start your hobbies. Pull out old unfinished projects or just simply start a new one.

10. 

    Take a different route to work. Take yourself off auto-pilot and watch the cars and people around you.

11. 

    Build a new relationship with a co-worker, acquaintance or someone who shares your interests.

12. 

    Forgive yourself. Accept the fact that you are not perfect. Choose to move forward instead of remaining stuck in the past or replaying a mistake you made over and over again in your mind.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the resources below to successfully manage change and learn to cope with stress.

Resources

• Manage Stress During Change
• A Change Is As Good As A Rest

[EnlightenedPen]

on 6/29/2008 I love your friend's saying about change being as good as a rest. I totally agree.