Some of us need a little guidance when trying to reduce the stresses in our lives.  Whole Living magazine has this easy to follow guide that I use in attempting to live my life more authentically.  (as shared in Whole Living Magazine)

First identify your stress triggers.   As I type this I can see a few fly by in my mind!   Here are some questions to address once you’ve identified those stresses:

1. In what ways are these stress triggers having an unhealthy impact in your life?

2. If you journal (as I’ve strongly suggested to many and have written the sources of your stress/unhappiness and on the other hand those sources of your happiness and joy) what patterns do you see?

3. What kind of worrier are you?  Do you seem to worry about one area of your life more so than others?  How do you think you can manage those worries?

Next try to address that age old problem of work-life balance.  Assess how much work you take home with you.  Are there non work related issues that cloud you while at work? How can you set some boundaries?

1. What small steps can you take to create a better control of your finances?  Do you live beyond your means which creates added stress?  Why do you choose to live beyond your means and put yourself in this quandary?

2. Assess your relationships.  Are they rewarding, competitive, demeaning, superficial and how do they affect you negatively?  What can you do to improve that relationship or take the steps in letting it go?  This has proven to be a big stress factor in my life. Looking at relationships and how they make me feel in my heart and soul has enabled me to use this map in creating healthier, supportive and authentic relationships- reducing the stress considerably.

And what about  those environmental stress inducers?  A cluttered life leads to a sinking  feeling and can take its toll on both the physical and emotional you.  How can you ‘clean house” and resolve this ill environment.  Seek help from a true, honest friend with this and make each decision a conscious one that you’ll not regret.

Learn to cope with the stress that’s dealt to us while trying to reduce it.  When wired, try to stretch or exercise.  Make note of those that often have the best feeling results.

Meditate. Start with small increments and gradually increase, hopefully making it a ritual not only when stressed but as part of your lifestyle routine.

Learn to negotiate.  Don’t sell yourself short, you’ll add to the stress level in your life.  Assertive communication, building boundaries and learn to delegate before making yourself sick.  You have to deal with stress (in a healthy manner) not bury it.

Finally in creating this map towards a less stress driven life treat your body well.  Eat well, honor daily and weekly rituals (noting those that keep you grounded) and practice gratitude.  Note how you begin to feel and then celebrate the new stress reduced you!