Choose JOY!

Joy is a rare commodity these days. More than ever we need to guard it and keep it in full reserve. sto

Learn 3 simple techniques here today to infuse it into you life.

A #1 Quick Stress-Buster…

JOY it is…fostered from deep within…manifested as a state of well-being. It’s got staying power no matter what’s going on in your world. And…it’s easier than you think to activate it.

Check out these 3 tips to help you make room for more JOY in your life and less stress.

Tip #1: J = Just Do It!

Yep…one way to curb stress is to put a halt to PROCRASTINATION…and…Just Do It!!

Got anything lingering in your life that keeps screaming for your attention, and either you ignore it or other things take the priority? I do!

I have this gorgeous philodendron in my bathroom, hanging from the ceiling. Its grown to the floor now and desperately needs to be cut and re-potted. Have I done anything with it yet? Absolutely NOT!

Each and every time I’m in the bathroom, I talk to “Philly” (Yes, naming plants does help them grow!), and promise I’ll take care of her tomorrow.

I must say…I have countless broken promises to my Philly!

It may sound funny, I know, but this procrastinating with re-potting her nags at me EACH AND EVERY time I’m in the bathroom! Holy Cats!

How bout you? What’s harassing you continually? Any project rearing up its head at you each time you walk by? Just take it on and get it done!

One More “Just Do It” Tip!

Respond to your text messages as soon as you read them.

So many times, I’ve opened up a message to read it and then go on with my activities, and completely forget responding!

Much later, sometimes a few days after, I finally text and apologize. Ever happened to you? It’s a subtle stressor, and isn’t a good friendship trait!

So…here’s what I came up with.

Don’t read the message until you have the time to respond.

Regardless of what it is…Just Doing It…kicks the pants off procrastination…looses stress…and keeps our joy tank full! Try it!

Tip #2: O = Off The Phone!

Can you believe how our Society has become so addicted to our phones? Communication is out the window.

People are on their phones while riding their bikes, driving their cars, eating out as a family, in line checking out at the store.

You name it…we could go on for hours…it is an epidemic that is getting more out of control than ever!

To bust our stress and strengthen our joy, let’s practice staying off the phone.

Jennifer Jolly, host of USA TODAY’s digital video show, TECH NOW, has some simple, quick tips to help us with this. Check out her article here.”

She encourages “no phone zones” throughout the day.

Setting our phones to grayscale helps dull the screen and keeps it less inviting without the color. Check it out!

No Taking Your Phone to Bed with You!

Keep it in the other room. Use an old-fashioned alarm clock or a sound machine.

Discipline yourself not to turn it on immediately when you wake up too.

“By raising levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol, our phone time may also be threatening our long-term health.”

More life…less phone…

In this New York Times article, entitled “Putting Down Your Phone May Help You Live Longer,” Catherine Price shares some very interesting data that will make you think twice about spending so much time on the phone.

She even has a book out entitled HOW TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR PHONE.

We’re all in this together. The more help we can get, the better!

Stoke your joy, lower your stress – stay off the phone!

Tip #3: Y = Your Relationships…Assess Them!

Take inventory:

Who are you hanging out with…at work? …at the gym?…socially?…on the phone?

How do you feel about these relationships? How do they make you feel?

A little self-assessment in the relationship area will do wonders for your JOY and stress levels!

Take Notice…

Observe how you feel when you are interacting with each person in your relationship circle.

What emotions do you have while with with them?

What kind of body language do you exhibit with them?

Does this person bring you joy…or are you drained after being around them?

Are you constantly listening to their never-ending stories without ever sharing your life with them?

Some people can suck the very life out of us if we aren’t careful to back away and protect ourselves.

Guard Your Circle…

Think of your relationships as a big circle. Some are best kept at a distance. Others can be a part of your inner circle.

Distance the people who just don’t “serve you well.”

Nurture those friendships that refresh you.

It will jazz up your joy and beat down the stress!

Re-Cap and Takeaway…

Bust the stress!

Inject J.O.Y. with these simple tips:

J – Just Do It!

Kick procrastination in the keister & do it now.

Wait to read your text messages when you have time to respond to them.

O – Off the Phone!

Take frequent breaks from your phone.

Please don’t take it to bed with you.

Refrain from checking it as soon as you awake too.

Y – Your Relationships!

Take assessment.

Who drags you down? Who lifts you up?

Spend time with the “Lifter-Uppers.” Keep your distance from the “Dragger-Downers.”

Life is good and we are meant to enjoy it! Give yourself a daily J.O.Y. Injection and boot out the stress! These little tips can really make a difference!

Start a Gratitude Journal!

Each night, before you sleep, write down the things you are thankful for that day. Write in cursive. Your brain will thank you!

It’s a great injection for sweet sleep and a joyful wake-up!

Infuse it into your life!

You are invited…

to join my weekly Inspiration Newsletter.

Each Tuesday, I send out a letter to encourage and inspire…”Joy in the Journey” is the theme.

Please send me your email to christy@christyzwenger.com

I would love to have you on board!

Until next week…

“Now may the God may the God of your hope so fill you with all JOY and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound and be overflowing with hope.” Romans 15:13