TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

DEVELOP A MANTRA. Does a particular word, phrase or quote help you calm down? Help you relax? Make it your mantra. Write it , think it, and repeat it any time you feel stressed, impatient, or anxious. This is a good one. I don't think I have a mantra so I will have to give it some thought. What about you. Do you have a mantra that works for you? Why not share it?

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

GET A MASSAGE. A professional massage can provide soothing, deep relaxation, As the tense muscles relax, so does your entire body, as well as your overstressed mind. I am sure I am old fashioned and just plain old, but YUCK. I don't want someone man or woman touching me except "the ole man". I just can't imagine getting a massage but I know ladies who do and love it.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE. De-stress your mind by de-cluttering. Clear off your desk. Clean out your closet. Utilize a planner and donate items you don't use. You'll be more relaxed and ready to tackle other issues. This is perfect for me with the garage sale this weekend. I have an entire garage full of things that came out of my craft room. I can't believe that I had all this stuff. What is worse is that this is just a sample of what I had. I still kept a lot of stuff. The sad part is that I don't remember where it all came from so I am not sure what I will do with what does not sell. I am going to just hope and pray it is a good sale. I love being organized and getting rid of this stuff just makes me feel good. Try it and see.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

HOLD HANDS. A recent study published in Psychological Science found that hand-holding calms the body's reaction to stress. So grab the hand of a friend or loved one whether you're sitting on the couch or taking a walk. I like this one and I think it is true. If you are walking with an adult it keeps you walking at the same speed as well. Calvin has only walked with me once this year but he is either dinking around or walking like it is a race to a bowl of ice cream so he has to get there before it melts. It drives me nuts. When Emme is with me and we walk it just makes me feel good and I smile more and enjoy the walk more when we hold hands. I love this tip.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

JUST BREATH...When a stressful situation arises, breathe in and out slowly and deeply for 10 full breaths. Exhaling slowly decreases your heart rate and calms the body helping to reduce stress.I'm having a garage sale Saturday and with all the weirdos out there I will practice this a lot I am sure. I am glad Joleane will be here to back me up and help out.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

WORK UP A SWEAT. Exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress. Pop in a workout video, hop on your bike or grab your jump rope. Picture the stress leaving your body through your pores, and let it go. Now this one I agree with 100%. I really enjoy my morning walks. It is calming and very peaceful. I am going to miss it once the snow and ice comes this winter. Who knows maybe we will have a late and lite winter this year, but I doubt it.

WOW WHAT A MONTH!!!

I THINK AUGUST WAS OUR BEST MONTH SO FAR. GOOD JOB EVERYONE AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. It is hard to believe that another month is over and it will soon be fall. I sent an email to Linda to see which weekend in October works best for her, since I know that is a busy month and it looks like it's Saturday October 17th to meet and "do lunch". I want to get a group photo and some updated photos so put the date on your calenders. It is a great time to get together and motivate ourselves before all the candy and goodie holidays start. From Halloween to New Years it is a hard time for dieters. We can do it. Any doubts? Look at August. Here is how we did:
Liisa lost 3 1/2 pounds last month.
Angela lost 4 1/2 pounds.
Sarah lost 3 pounds
Becky lost 3 pounds
Eileen lost 3 1/2 pounds
Renee lost 3 1/2 pounds
Linda stayed the same
Yvonne lost 3 pounds
Elizabeth lost 2 pounds and
Joleane lost a BIG 6 1/2 pounds last month.

WE ALL DID GREAT. PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK AND KEEP MOVIN ON.
THAT IS A TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS OF 32 1/2 POUNDS FOR OUR LITTLE GROUP.
YOU LADIES ARE THE BEST AND YOU KEEP ME GOING.