Life can come at you hard, and it can come at you often. But here are some keys that can help you unlock a better, more sane, and less stressful life.
LEARN TO SAY NO. Yes, ‘no’ is a complete, critical sentence we neglect or leave on the shelf. Here’s another thought: When you can’t decide, the answer is ‘no.’ By saying no, you are making a decision instead of joining the land of the squirrels who have been smacked flat in the middle of the Road of Indecision. ‘No’ is okay. ‘No’ can be healthy. ‘No’ can also be temporary — ‘no for now.’ Ask yourself this question. If you say ‘no” to something, what can you say ‘yes’ to? 
NEVER LOSE FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANT THINGS. Focus is important because it allows us to keep the main thing the main thing. You don’t have to get all 50 things done today. Ultimately, finishing 2-3 things may be more beneficial than starting 10 things but finishing none. For most of us, only a few things are required every day. Most of the “stuff” can wait. So, stop here: List the three things that are imperative for you tomorrow. Then, stick to it.
YOU CAN’T CONTROL IT ALL. Concerning yourself about things outside your control wastes time, energy, and sleep. The past, the outcome or result, other people’s opinions, what people think of you, the doctor’s report, and other people’s actions are entirely outside your purview. You can’t even control whether you get that promotion, raise, or that guy called Murphy (as in Murphy’s Law). What is under your purview are your words, actions, thoughts, responses, and how you treat others. Focus on those things.
ROUTINE. SET IT AND DEFEND IT. For me, this has been critical. My complete days are not totally lined up, but my week is better aligned, and I’m working my way down to the hour-by-hour each day. My morning starts in my upstairs office with reading, praying, and quiet time. Before I go downstairs, I’m on my bike and listening to good music (e.g., Israel Houghton, PCD, Maverick City, or the like). This has been a game-changer. What’s one routine you can start today? Come on, take the plunge. Respect the game!
SLEEP, EAT AND MOVE. The older you get, the more this takes front and center in your life. It falls under what you wish you knew when you were 30 but didn’t know to ask. (Or what you knew but didn’t do.) Get to bed on time. Babies have bedtimes. Why not you? Eat better. What’s one thing you need to change in your diet this week? You probably already know. Elizabeth has a reminder on Alexa: “Get off your butt and take out the trash cans.” So, I’ll say it: Get off your butt and move. Do something. Walk, ride, swim, jog.
REMEMBER THIS. You are enough! Don’t let anyone rob you of your self-esteem. Don’t listen to people who haven’t been where you’re going. Remember and never forget: You are the head, not the tail. You are above and not beneath. If you don’t manage your time and life, someone else will. Take charge of your life, set boundaries, and watch your stress fall like flies.
If you want to change your life, you must change something you do daily. It’s the action response to the insanity rule (you know, do the same thing and expect a different result).
You can’t control when life shows up. But you can control your response, and you can control your preparation. Here are some more stress breakers that may help you prepare.
Just like the time suckers, we all have stressors. What change can you make today to help you in the week ahead? Go ahead. Take 10 minutes now to save yourself hours later this week.