How many times do you hear “I’m stressed,” “I’m too busy” or “there is not enough time”  at this time of the year, as everyone is preparing for their Festivities?

Stress , headaches, arguments, relationship breakdowns, road fatalities, depression, loneliness. These are all linked with this current FESTIVE SEASON.  Rather contradictory isn’t it!

How do you feel about this time of the year?  For many people it’s a time of excitement, a well deserved break from the J.O.B, a holiday and connecting with family and friends and sharing some fun times, and a time to rest. For others, it’s a time of sadness, loneliness and the reminder of days that were once happier.

• So, whatever you are doing this festive season, spare a thought for everyone else.
• Slow down on the road.
• Do a random act of kindness.
• Wake up and think of three things you are grateful for in your life.
• Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature.
• Congratulate and celebrate your successes of the past year, big and small.
• Start planning and dreaming BIG for 2011.
• Most importantly have some FUN and have some PLAY TIME!
• Make a commitment for 2011 to have some PLAY time every week.

This one thing will not only guarantee you a less STRESSFUL life, but  science has now proven the benefits of play in relation to the health of our brain.  In the book called “PLAY”, Dr Stuart Brown states that when we play we release not only dopamine (the happy drug) oxotocin and other reward chemicals but also those crucial for the regrowth of brain cells.  Without this regrowth, it’s either USE it or LOSE it!

Furthermore, he states that a life or a culture devoid of a deficiency of play exists as a heightened major public health risk factor. The prevalence of depression, stress related diseases, violence and other health and well being problems can be linked to the prolonged deprivation of play. By the way, play is defined as “An activity you can do when interrupted is devoid of anger, impatience, or time pressures, such as playing as kids do, painting, gossiping, socialising, romance and anything that is fun and timeless creating a sense of bliss..”  Play evolved millions of years ago when we were hunters and gatherers to help keep humans alive by bonding with each other in the wild!

If that sounds simple, well I guess it is!  If you want to live a more fulfilled and happier life, have less stress, survive the festive season AND start 2011 off in the right way, then GO AND have some  PLAYTIME  and make this part of your plan for 2011.

If I can help you De stress or De Clutter then call me for a complimentary strategy Session on 0408 666 176.   I am also holding workshops, check out under the Workshop Tab.

Next one is 22 January 2011 – start the year off with SUCCESS and as you REALLY want it to be!!!

Mandy Napier