Life was meant to enjoyed! Don’t let stress get you down. In our Summer Issue, Contributor Dominique Gonzales shares 5 ways to get your much needed R & R. Check out all 5 by viewing her complete article here (LINK):

Each month this summer, we’ve been highlighting ways to implement one of her tips. Missed June’s tip? Check out our archives and don’t forget to check back in August for tip 3!

Plan Ahead!
Stop trying to do everything at the last minute. Procrastination definitely causes a lot of unnecessary stress. Start planning ahead! Keep a calendar and a schedule. Most importantly, stick to the schedule and try not to overload your calendar with a lot of activities. Planning allows you to be prepared so that you have fewer stressful surprises.

Here are some practical things to implement to make planning ahead work for you:

- Use a system that works for you. Whether it’s portable planner, a monthly wall calendar, an Iphone or a Blackberry, everybody needs a system! Find out which ONE (yes, one) works for you and stick to it! Keep it all in one central place, so that you don’t double book and get blindsided by deadlines.

- Get your priorities straight. Write down the commitments and activities that are most important to you (i.e. God, spouse, family, charitable activities). Writing it down helps you identify what you really need to do.

- Don’t overcommit yourself. No matter how much you plan ahead, if you have too much on your plate, you will still be taking on unneeded stress. Before you say YES, identify where it lies in your priorities and take on commitments out of passion and desire rather than obligation.

- Be realistic. There are only 24 hours in a day (yes, even for you). Before committing, take an honest look at how much time and energy is required for your tasks. Even if you CAN get it all done, if you’re exhausted at the end of every day, it’s not best for you.

- Plan me-time. This is different for every person. For you, it could be laying out in the sun with you Ipod, going for a swim or curling up with your favorite magazine. Carve out time of your busy schedule where you answer to no one. It will make all the difference.