manforallseasons1987 Leadership

Six Simple Stress-Management Techniques

Today’s Tip 
Six Simple Stress-Management Techniques
It can feel like stress is unavoidable these days. Changes to how we live and work, social isolation, and anxiety about health and finances are triggering us and exacerbating our emotions. If you feel like you’re cracking under the weight of the past year, try introducing some of these simple, proven habits into your day:
Move, move, move. Any exercise is a fantastic stress reliever.Breathe. Practice meditation and mindfulness exercises to tame your mind.Journal. Writing can help us unpack what’s going on inside. Start by documenting what you’re grateful for each day.Laugh. Watch a funny show, call a funny friend, and feel some joy.Find your flow. What activity or task demands your deepest focus?Listen to music. Research proves that it helps us relax.
This tip is adapted from “7 Ways to De-Stress When You Can’t Go Outside,”by Michelle Bihary
manforallseasons1987 Spiritual Life

Prayer in Motion in the House or on the Road

Consider how much time we spend “in motion.” This being “in motion” takes into account all the times we move around the house, going upstairs and downstairs. It involves going outside and back inside the house. 

Then consider the time you are in motion on the road – travelling to and form work. While this would be very different in smaller areas (towns and villages) it is for the average city person a great deal of time spent on the road. 

In Canada (2019) drivers spent an average of 24 minutes commuting to work (and then there is driving back home). In Vancouver the average commuting time is 67 minutes IF they leave for work between 5:00am and 7:00am. 

Do a quick mental calculation of all the times you spend at traffic lights and stop signs. 

From the time we get up till the time we go to bed we human beings spend a fair bit of time in motion. If we want to make of our day a pleasing sacrifice to God or a more pleasing sacrifice to God, then it is important we take advantage of at least some of the moments in motion. 

When you drive leave the radio off and pray your rosary. Use a finger rosary – one that fits like a ring. Do not use the longer one that could get tangled and cause you to be distracted. 

So today resolve to use your vocal prayers (like the Hail Mary or Memorare, the Rosary while driving) and spontaneous prayers while going through the house or at work (quietly of course). Simple examples are – Jesus, I love you; Mary, I love you; Guardian Angel help me now and the list goes on. 

Nothing complicated about this – you only need determination and love. 

Use all of that motion to help make of your day a more pleasing offering to God. 

Fr Hamilton 

manforallseasons1987 Leadership

Today’s Tip Break Up Your Day with a Walk

If you’ve been working from home for most of the past year, you may find yourself hitting a wall. WFH burnout is real — so it’s important to do what you can to give yourself a boost throughout the workday. Don’t underestimate the power of going for a walk (or, if you’re unable to walk, spending some time outside). Here are five reasons to walk with purpose. 
Perspective. Especially in these trying times, getting outside and reconnecting with nature can help broaden your perspective in a healthy way.Connection. Invite a friend or family member to join you in person if it’s doable, safe, and responsible, or over the phone if it isn’t.Learning. Try listening to an audiobook, podcast, or webinar to stimulate your mind with new information.Gratitude. It’s easy to get bogged down in the negative these days. What if you used your time outside to focus on what you’re thankful for?Productivity. Walking doesn’t always have to be a break from work — it can just be a break from sitting at your desk all day. Which meetings or phone calls could you do on the go?This tip is adapted from “Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Walk,” by Deborah Grayson Riegel