'A' TO 'Z' OF STRESS MANAGEMENT

Always take time for yourself, at least 30 minutes per day.
Be aware of your own stress meter: Know when to step back and cool down.
Concentrate on controlling your own situation, without controlling everybody else
Daily exercise will burn off the stress chemicals
Eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies, bread and water, give your body the best for it to
perform at its best.
Forgive others, don't hold grudges and be tolerant -- not everyone is as capable as you.
Gain perspective on things, how important is the issue
Hugs, kisses and laughter: Have fun and don't be afraid to share your feelings with others
Identify stressors and plan to deal with them better next time.
Judge your own performance realistically; don't set goals out of your own reach.
Keep a positive attitude, your outlook will influence outcomes and the way others treat you.
Limit alcohol, drugs and other stimulants, they affect your perception and behaviour...
Manage money well, seek advice and save at least 10 per cent of what you earn.
No is a word you need to learn to use without feeling guilty.
Outdoor activities by yourself, or with friends and family, can be a great way to relax....
Play your favourite music rather than watching television.
Quit smoking: It is stressing your body daily, not to mention killing you too.
Relationships: Nurture and enjoy them, learn to listen more and talk less.....
Sleep well, with a firm mattress and a supportive pillow; don't overheat yourself and allow plenty of ventilation.
Treat yourself once a week with a massage, dinner out, the movies: Moderation is the key.
Understand things from the other person's point of view......
Verify information from the source before exploding.
Worry less, it really does not get things completed better or quicker.
Xpress: Make a regular retreat to your favourite space, make holidays part of your
yearly plan and budget.......
Yearly goal setting: Plan what you want to achieve based on your priorities in your career, relationships, etc.
Zest for life: Each day is a gift, smile and be thankful that you are a part of the bigger picture........

Excerpt to ponder this NY 2008

Who knows what kind of existence you will find yourself in after this one? At present, you may find it difficult to bear hunger, thirst, heat and cold, but these are minor difficulties compared with the sufferings you might face in future lives. From now on, prepare for the unchanging bliss of liberation by practicing the Dharma.

If you ignore the prospect of future lives - or even doubt that there are states of existence other than the present one - and stick to ordinary goals, you will waste your energy and all the precious potential of human life. If you are sincerely devoted to achieving it, Buddhahood is not far off. It is within you. It is here and now, the primodial freshness of the present instant. It is the innate quality of each and every being. The rich person who invests his capital increase his fortune, whereas the miser hoards it up and brings no benefit. The Buddha-nature is your natural treasure. It is up to you to make your fortune with it.

- The Hundred Verses of Advice of Padampa Sangye (Dilgo Khyentse) p.90-91