Happy New Year 2020!  I am aware that just about everyone I come in contact with is experiencing overwhelm in at least one if not most areas of their lives. What to do? First, take a breathe.. slow inhale counting 1,2,3.. Slow exhale counting 1,2,3,4. Repeat 3X,s if possible. Take out your calendar and schedule a reboot 1/2 hr. for yourself in the next week. Yes, make an appointment with yourself!
During this time make a list of any area that is creating stress in your life. Look at this list. Choose what is directly related to YOU and therefore recognize that YOU can choose to empower yourself and do something about it.  Choose the posting on your list that you have the most charge/energy around, for example-“I am always time stressed in the mornings”.  Now write down the reasons why this is occurring in your life. What can you do to create a 5 minute window to practice a simple mindfulness technique so you can begin to shift this stressor?  In my example  you will need to add 5 extra minutes to what you are perceiving as an already time-crunched schedule. Focus on your breath.. slow inhale counting 1, 2, 3.. Slow exhale counting 1, 2, 3, 4. Repeat 3x’s. Now,  say out loud “I CAN DO THIS & I AM READY NOW!”. Make a choice and take action. For example, set your alarm 10 minutes earlier and begin the mindfulness exercise below as soon as possible in your morning  (perhaps after visiting the bathroom and your cup of coffee or tea is in hand).  Do NOT WAIT TILL AFTER YOU HAVE SHOWERED AND EATEN BREAKFAST! Mark you beginning date on your calendar and add it as a daily repeat. Now begin.

Here is the mindfulness exercise to include in your daily 5 minute routine:

Repeat the slow inhale and exhale exercise described above.

Now place your hand on your heart and slowly repeat:

I LOVE MYSELF

I CAN RELAX

I HAVE ALL THE TIME I NEED

MY DAY IS UNFOLDING GENTLY AND PERFECTLY

I AM POWERFUL AND SUPPORTED

Close your eyes. Repeat the slow inhale and exhale exercise.

Open your eyes.Thank yourself and continue with your magnificent day!