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Nurture Yourself!

Practical and Fun Ways to Lower Stress

By Rick Hanson

One of the most powerful methods for releasing stressful thoughts is to talk back to them. All you have to do is catch the unrealistic thoughts that are making you stressed and replace them with true, logical and positive ones. Many studies have found that this positive self-talk is one of the most powerful ways to cope with stress. In essence, you are sticking up for yourself inside your own mind by focusing on the objective facts, defending yourself against unfair attacks and giving encouragement.

After you let go of stressful experiences, replace them with positive ones. Every day has dozens of little opportunities – such as moments of pleasure, achievement or love – to replenish yourself psychologically. Each of these is an oasis where you can rest briefly and refuel yourself for the challenges ahead.

Throughout your day, really pay attention to positive events. For example, notice everything you're accomplishing. Or has your child been especially cute, your partner acted supportively or someone praised your work?

We're not talking about million-dollar moments, but the small changes in everyday life. In a fundamental sense, the person you are is the distillation of all the experiences you've ever had. By consciously putting new, good ones in the emotional memory bank each day, you build up an increasingly positive balance.

So when a tasty dish is set before you, dive in with a big spoon! As your day unfolds, make sure that positive events register aspositive experiences

Want to see more?

• Even Super Mom Needs a Break: Finding Time for You
• The Path to Peace: Meditation for Moms
• You Deserve a Break Today: New Moms Need Nurturing, Too
• Talk about it!

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