20 September 2019

Hello Renée,

"How many times have you noticed it's the little quiet moments in the midst of life that seem to give the rest extra special meaning?" -Fred Rogers

If we slow down enough to really appreciate the little things that occur in our daily lives, we can find more joy and be less stressed.  Observe three little things today that give you joy but you've been taking for granted.  Give thanks for the small presents. 

Taking the LEAP with you!

QUIZ: How well do you manage STRESS?

The impact of stress accumulates, and, beyond the ongoing, regular stress that comes from living in our high-impact culture, specific life events can really knock us for a loop. This includes moving to a different country with a new culture, new language and maybe even driving on the other side of the road! This stress can compound if the move also entails giving up your career for your spouses’ job and losing your sense of identity and having your own income.   Even happy changes can cause bumps in the road, which we register both physically and emotionally.

While we can’t eliminate stress from our lives,
we can learn where our hot spots are and
how to best reduce and manage the stress we do experience.

TAKE THE QUIZ: 
You won’t be scored at the end, but answer true or false to the following questions, and elaborate a bit on those that feel especially relevant.

Click here to take the QUIZ on my blog

 
BLOW OFF SOME STEAM

Stress is a huge part of our modern life. As such, there is a lot of information out in the world about how to manage your stress levels using tried and true methods such as meditation, massage, exercise, deep breathing and calming vacations.

All of these methods are powerful and extremely effective. That said, there are a few other amazingly potent stress busters that often get overlooked.

Sometimes, when you are really stressed, the thought of exercising, meditating, or taking a vacation can actually become MORE stressful. In those moments, I like to turn to some of my less-common tricks.

Here are 3 quick fixes to help you manage your stress and blow off some steam, day after day.

1. Laugh! 

Laughter is one of the best stress-reducers out there. Watch a few funny videos, take yourself to the movies, or go to a comedy club. Even better, see if you can find an Improv Comedy group in your town, and go check out a class. There’s nothing like making up a ridiculous scenario with a bunch of strangers (or your friends) to get you laughing like a kid again. Another activity that can provide fits of laughter is doing the chicken dance.  I’ve been in a group where all the high powered CEOs were doing this dance – trust me, everyone was laughing!!!!

2. Speak Your Mind…Politely 

Often the source of our stress is undelivered communication. Stand up for yourself, share your opinions and ideas, or have that conversation that’s been weighing on you. Remember to be polite, though. You don’t want to create more stress in the form of conflict because you were insensitive with your words. But by all means, use your words. Start out with, “I feel…”, or “I think….” so it’s about you.  That way the other person won’t feel they are being attacked.

3. Go A Little Crazy 

Shut your door and shake it off! Let your body move wildly and unpredictably (the chicken dance helps here too!). It can be a dance party, screaming at the sky, beating on a couch cushion, or rambling for a solid minute in gibberish. Going a little crazy on purpose will help keep you from going REALLY crazy on accident.  

Once you’ve released a bit of pressure, you will notice your blood pressure decreasing, and you will feel a little lighter. Your head will clear and you can resume your day with new energy and excitement.

How will you blow off some steam today?

LAUGH!
Did you know that even fake laughter can have the same impact as real laughter on reducing stress?  Funny enough, the brain can't tell the difference!  So have a look at this video on Laughter Yoga to see how you can get more laughter into your life.  Don't worry, you won't be asked to go into "pretzel" mode. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

 

FREE GIFT
If you know it's time for a change in a specific area of your life, but you aren't sure how to make it happen, this is for you - Courage, Risks and Reward: Taking a Chance to Change Your Life -  a 5-part Coaching Program compliments of The LEAP Network!

Click here to download the program.

Complimentary LEAPSTART consultation:  Click here to schedule your session!

Renée Blasky is the Founder and CEO of The LEAP Network Ltd.

She wasn’t always the risk-taking entrepreneur that she is today. Through several important life experiences, including being an "expat" for the vast majority of her life and sailing an ocean, she learned the importance and benefits of risk-taking and how to embrace risk rather than fear it! Renée also realized capturing life’s fulfillment meant giving back to others. So, she started her second business: The LEAP Network in order to share her experiences and expertise with "trailing spouses" who have sacrificed their careers to move across the globe when their spouses are transferred overseas.  Renée coaches on ways to avoid the "trailing spouse syndrome" to eliminate frustration, boredom and loneliness while becoming more fulfilled and happy!

Learn more about Renée and The LEAP Network by visiting her website here: www.theleapnetwork.coachesconsole.com.

You can also send an mail directly to Renée at:  rkblasky@theleapnetwork.co (not “.com”)

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