Emergency Crazy 8

A few weeks I met three girlfriends for dinner. As I got out of the car I grabbed my Emergency Deck of Cards from the glove box. Yes, I carry an Emergency Deck of Cards and use it much more often than I use the Emergency First Aid Kit. Every car should have one.

We ordered our dinner and shared our lives. Since our last connection there were new health concerns, job challenges, financial stress, and worries about kids. As a life coach I help people move through these kinds of stressful experiences. So, what do you imagine helped us that night? My Emergency Deck of Cards! We had a Crazy 8 marathon for three hours with strategy and scheming and loads of laughter. It
was simple, silly fun and a valuable stress reliever.

It seems that everyone has stress these days. What your Emergency Stress Relief? Consider some of these reminders:

• Be careful not to crowd out fun and relaxation with overwork. Fun is an essential part of a healthy life.
• Keep your sense of humor. The physical act of laughing actually fights stress.
• Post a list on your refrigerator of cheap, simple experiences (like Crazy 8!) that can give you a lift and break up the pressures of life. Invite your friends and family to add their ideas to this running list of stress busters. Make it a routine to add these experiences to your calendar – often.

You have a great life to live. Don’t let painful stress control your days – you can take charge!