Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out," overwhelmed and exhausted is the norm. However, moderate day-to-day stress takes its toll on our minds and bodies. Our constant doing, over-working, running errands, rushing here and there, and care-taking can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disorders/insomnia, high blood pressure and diabetes.

There is good news ? reducing stress is in your control. According to Yoga Journal you can "change your situation, change your attitude, and take good care of yourself." Let's explore these options.

First, you can change your situation by taking action to:

*improve your job/career

*cut back on activities and obligations

*improve your relationships

*lose the weight you've been wanting to

*bring balance into your life

Life Coaching is one powerful avenue that produces action and results in your life. Through Life Coaching, you are able to identify and achieve your personal and professional goals, thus, enhancing the fulfillment, balance and happiness in your life.

Another way to take action, is to begin to journal. Journal about how you want to handle your situation, what the ideal outcome is for you, and what your desired goal is. Next, list all the steps that you need to take in order to reach your goal. You can't change things unless you put your plans into action. Therefore, decide what 2 steps you will commit to taking in the next week. To give you extra motivation and accountability, tell 2 people about the 2 steps you plan to achieve.

Second, you can change your attitude beginning in this very moment:

*look at your challenge from the perspective of someone you admire(a teacher, mentor, best friend, Lassie). How would they handle it?

*choose to let go of "perfection" today! Ask your spouse for help with the laundry or with the grocery shopping, invite your children to help with house cleaning or weeding the gardens. These activities may not be completed "perfectly," but the benefits to you will be significant. Let go of the need to "do it all" this week.

*create and recite positive affirmations that begin to fill your mind, body and spirit with positive words and intentions (read Louise Hay's book "You can Heal your Life" to learn about positive affirmations).

*focus on what's right in your life and express gratitude for all of the beauty and abundance in your life. Start a "Gratitude Journal" and write a list of things you're grateful for each day.

Finally, you can take good care of yourself: meditating, exercising, breathing, practicing Tai Chi or Qi Gong, laughing, painting, dancing, singing or gardening. In this precious moment you can choose to ease the stressful symptoms in your body and mind simply by committing to spending 15-30 minutes a day engaging in these nurturing activities. You are worth it!!

By changing your situation and attitude, and taking care of yourself on a regular basis, you will improve your mental and physical health, your relationships at work and home, and your ability to navigate through life's challenges with grace and ease.

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." ~ William H. Murray

Lori Woodhouse, MSW, Life Coach, is dedicated to helping men and women create balance, fulfillment, direction and success in their personal and professional lives. To sign up for Lori's monthly eZine: http://www.loriwoodhouse.com/newsletter.html

To learn more about Life Coaching, Teleclasses, and e-programs: http://www.loriwoodhouse.com