The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Slowing down in 2006!

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

4 January 2006

We all need to slow down to avoid health issues in 2006. After a strong women's movement into the work force, children have learned to fend more for themselves, and women who have tried to excel at home, at work, plus in the community have been relieved some. Husbands are trying to pick up the extra load at home while still keeping energy for their jobs.

But, as you see, it is a vicious circle that is putting stress on all the members of the family.

One thing I found out, is that stress is causing problems in our lives and in our health.

You can "google" stress and find a thousand articles on its dangers. One article from, The Mayo Clinic, gives alarming problems and helps with some solutions. Read-

Stress: Why you have it and how it hurts your health at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001

The Mayo Clinic article gives suggestions on slowing down in 2006 and for taking care of ourselves to help avoid stress and disease.

A few ideas are:

• Relax and look at situations differently.
• Try to be more positive and less critical.
• See the humor in people's differences and short-comings..
• Schedule a relaxing massage. Do Yoga.
• Exercise by walking, swimming or a regular sport.
• Diet or change your eating habits. Keep in mind that portion control is a huge key.
• Incorporate a lot of a veggies in your diet several times a day, and fruits.
• Seek help if you can't alleviate the stress in your life.

Slowing down is probably your best bet - letting some things go in the process.

The best thing you can do for others in 2006 is take care of yourself so they won't end up taking care of you - or worse - be without you.