Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.

~ John Lennon

What does “peace” mean to you? Is it being free of war and conflict? Is it having a moment of solitude to enjoy the quiet?  Is it being in a spiritual place or religious house of worship? Or is it through meditation and relaxation strategies?

Whatever method you choose to find peace, it should be a method in which you really connect and one that truly resonates with you.   It should be a method that takes you to a place of comfort and joy.

A part of finding more peace in your life is clearing away the external factors that create stress, and coming from a more positive place.  To start, I recommend avoiding the news as if it were the plague.  It is filled with crime, hate and negativity that you do not need in your life.  I stopped watching the news over a year ago because it was so emotionally draining before I went to bed.  I prefer to laugh before I go to sleep.

The next step is to start a gratitude journal.  Make a point to acknowledge at least three things every day for which you are grateful.  You can write them down in a diary, journal, a notebook, on your computer or you can verbally acknowledge them.  Whatever you choose, it is important to remember that gratitude leads to abundance in your life.

Another way of finding peace is by finding forgiveness in your heart for things that may not have gone the way you expected.   Perhaps it was someone who said unkind words to you, a boss who fired you, or that person who nearly ran you off the road on your way to the store because s/he was on their cell phone.  Find it in your heart to forgive and let bygones be bygones.

Another way of finding peace in your life is to find a spiritual or religious connection.  Whatever or whoever is your spiritual guide, let it or them help you find that peace that you need.

Meditation is another way of creating more peace in your life.  As I read Dr. Joe Vitale’s book, Attract Money Now last night, I found one of many gold nuggets on his Attract Miracles website.   Just by going to http://www.attractmiracles.com/ and entering your name and email address, you will receive a FREE 20 Minute Guided Meditation MP3 instant download.  It is designed for you to listen to every day to help clear your mind and attract miracles.

The last place I want to direct you for finding more peace is by reading Finding Peace in Your Life.  This is an excerpt from my e-book, 10 “Grandcoach” Survival Tips for Grandparents Who Are Raising Grandchildren.  You can download my simple instructions for designing a “quiet place” in your own home by going to http://thegrandcoach.com/Peace.html.

Finding more peace in your life reduces stress and helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life.  I invite you to use these strategies often.

Have a Grand Day!

Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.

~ Sydney J. Harris

April is “Stress Awareness Month” and yesterday (16th) was “National Stress Awareness Day. “  To celebrate stress relief, I’ve come up with 6 “RELIEF” strategies for reducing stress.

If you are a grandparent raising grandchildren, or know someone who fits this description, then you are aware of the stress associated with change and being a second-time-around parent.  It is not the grandchildren who are causing the stress, because you know what a blessing it is to have them around.

Stress comes from changes in your financial status, changes in the family structure and schedules, and the reason you needed to take in your grandchildren.  Any time you experience sudden or drastic change in your life, you experience stress.

Stress can cause some very common health-related problems including fatigue, insomnia, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, heart attacks and other illnesses.  Unless you take control and learn how to manage the stress, it may lead to chronic illness and sudden death if not managed properly.  Your grandchildren need you, so it is important to take care of yourself.

The 6 Steps of Stress RELIEF can help you gain control of what is causing you stress and help you lead a more peaceful life.

RELAX

Yes, I know. It is easier said than done.  With a few quick strategies to do during the day, you will start feeling more relaxed.  Start by writing down what is causing you stress; then, write down possible solutions.  Sometimes writing it down can help inspire solutions.

Keep a gratitude journal.  Daily gratitude helps keep you focused on what is good: raising your grandchildren and having them close to you. When you focus on the positive things, more come your way.

EAT RIGHT and EXERCISE
The food that we eat has a profound affect on our attitude and well-being.  Eating natural, whole foods will help you feel better, have more energy and reduce the stress that accompanies poor eating habits.

Of course it is a well known fact that exercise is good for you.  It helps reduce the stress hormones in your body that create health problems.   Enjoy a nature walk with your grandchildren.  Whether you go out in the back yard or go to the park, this will keep you all healthy and happy.

Exercising your mind can also reduce stress.  Books, puzzles, brain teasers and games are tools to keep your brain active, and can also be incorporated into activities with your grandchildren.

LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH
Enjoy the special moments with your grandchildren. Playing games, baking cookies, having a tea party or watch funny movies together will help build that special bond between you and your grandchildren while helping you relieve your stress.

INNER PEACE
Inner peace can be found through meditation, faith and spirituality.  This is a more personal area of which you need to determine how to address this.  It may involve prayer, going to church or having a few moments alone to meditate.

ENVIRONMENT
Additional family members living in your home can lead to clutter and limited space.  Making room for your grandchildren so that they have a place to store their toys, clothes and personal possessions, can help you all feel more relaxed.  If space is an issue, consider getting rid of thing in your home that you do not need any longer.

FAMILY and FRIENDS, or Other Support Systems
Your grandchildren are true blessings.  Building communications with them, involving them in conversations and sharing experiences, are excellent ways of building that bond between you and reducing stress.  Other family members, whether inside or outside the home, or close friends, can be a source of comfort during stressful times.

If stress becomes too overwhelming, or you do not have people close for a source of support, you may want to consider hiring a coach or seeking counseling before the stress becomes too great.

To begin your stress relief journey, I challenge you to make a list of those strategies you are going to implement and put them into action.  By doing so, you are inviting gratitude, balance and tranquility into your life.

Have a Grand Day!

Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”

Yesterday on the morning news, I heard that the first week of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is very stressful for many people as they have to move their clocks forward for Spring. During the first few days following, there is an increase in heart attacks, especially in men, an increase in traffic accidents on the first Monday, and an overall increase in stress related to the time change.  If this is so stressful, then what is the reasoning behind this clock-changing event?

The concept of DST began in ancient Rome where they adjusted their daily schedules to the sun.  They actually divided their daylight time into 12 equal hours throughout the year.  During the summer, their hours were longer than those in winter.  Today, that would make an 8-hour workday around 10 hours long.  I’m glad that idea didn’t stick.

Benjamin Franklin, who stated, “Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” suggested people wake up earlier in the morning to take advantage of the morning sunlight.  He never proposed Daylight Saving Time; however, Franklin suggested ringing church bells and firing cannons at sunrise to wake up the community.  There’s nothing like starting your day off with a “bang.”

Daylight Saving Time was originally proposed by George Vernon Hudson of New Zealand in 1895.  He had the idea of a time change when he saw the potential for having more daylight at the end of his work day, leading to more time to collect insects.  He was an entomologist.

Today, about half the world observes Daylight Saving Time.  Although, studies have found that there are some benefits to the time change, such as in retail sales, sporting events and after work and school activities, it does have its drawbacks.  The disruption of a person’s regular sleep cycle can cause varying degrees of stress, even in children.

If you, or someone you know, are feeling the effects of the time change, there are simple steps to take to reduce the stressful effects.  To start, just enjoy the day.  Spring is right around the corner which means lots of sunshine, flowers and outdoor fun are ahead.

Have a Grand Day!

Kay Fontana
“The Grandcoach”

P.S.  If you would like more information about stress relief, please go to Got Stress? Get Relief Now! for assistance.

Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

~Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

On Wednesday, February 10, 2010, I had the honor of interviewing internationally recognized child educational psychologist, associate clinical professor of psychology at UCLA, speaker and media personality Charlotte Reznick, PhD. on The Grandcoach Live. The interview was more than I could have imagined as she spoke about her recent publication, The Power of Your Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success.

Dr. Reznick shared nine imagery tools she uses with children and adolescents in a variety of situations including: getting to sleep, overcoming fear, dealing with bullies, improving in sports, getting along with siblings, coping with loss and controlling anger. Her strategies allow children and adolescents to use their imagination to combat the most challenging problems they have in today’s society.

Dr. Reznick developed a positive coping skills program called Imagery for Kids TM that she uses to teach children how to use their imagination to understand and manage their feelings, solve problems creatively, and strengthen their self-esteem.  You can find out more about her program and therapeutic CDs for kids by going to www.imageryforkids.com.  She also had a number of free articles to download, and her top 10 list of “What Kids Most Want and Need from Their Parents” (and grandparents).

To listen to the podcast, please click on Episode #6 on the right hand column, or click on the TalkShoe link on the right to take you to “The Grandcoach Live.”

Warm regards,

Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”

As we are rapidly approaching the end of the year, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the holiday activities, changes in weather, finances and the cold and flu season, to name a few.  This time of year brings on a lot of stress in families, particularly with grandparents who are raising grandchildren.  It is also a time when people begin thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions and their goals for the future.

Are you struggling with your goals? Have you put your goals on the back burner to take care of family matters? Or are you trying to accomplish your goals but are doing it on your own?  I must tell you that, even though people say they want to do things on their own, this is not always the best solution.

There is a belief out there that if we ask for help, we have failed, or that we are unable to accomplish our goals.  Some believe that if they ask for guidance that they are not worthy of the outcome.  This is far from the truth.  Building relationships and having people in your life to mentor, coach, train or hold you accountable is the cornerstone of achieving your goals.

The most successful people in the world have had someone in their life to coach them, mentor them, serve as role models or provide them tools that have helped them, their business or their goals leap forward.  It is not a sign of weakness, but a sign that you are ready to take action!

There are two ways of looking at relationships:

Building relationships and partnerships with those whose goals are in direct alignment with your goals and have achieved success in those areas.  I’m sure you have heard the expression, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.”  Use strategies, techniques and advice from those who have “been there” and “done that,” or from those who can help you get from where you are right now to where you want to be.  Some examples would be hiring a coach, working with a mentor, going to a training seminar, or attending a free teleclass or webinar, or joining an association or support group.

Building relationships with people closest to you.  These people would include your family members, friends, co-workers and other people with whom you have a bonded relationship.

Connecting with people who have the same goals in mind, or who are in similar situations as you can be most effective.  You are able to gain support from those who may have already faced similar circumstances as you, and can offer advice to help you achieve your goal.

Stay tuned for more information about building relationships to achieve your goals.  In the meantime, I want to invite you to two free teleseminars coming up next week:

On Tuesday, December 15th at 2pm Eastern, I’m offering: “Put Your Goals Into Powerdrive: 10 Keys to Achieving Success in 2010.”

On Thursday, December 17th at 3pm Eastern, I’m offering: “Got Stress? Get Relief Now! 6 Strategies for Peaceful Easy Living.”

Click on the Teleseminar name to register and find out more information.

Warm regards,

Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”

Have you ever thought about what is causing you stress in your life? Some common causes of stress are:

• Financial problems
• Relationship issues
• Loss of employment
• Children with social and emotional problems
• Family members with addictions
• Elderly parents or grandchildren living in the home
• Existing health issues
• Illness or loss of a loved one
• Career and business concerns

Stress can cause some very common health-related problems including fatigue, insomnia, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, heart attacks and other illnesses.  Unless you take control and learn how to manage the stress, it may lead to chronic illness and even sudden death.

The 6 Steps of Stress RELIEF can help you gain control of what is causing you stress and help you lead a more peaceful life.

1. RELAX – The key to learning how to relax is that you have to make the conscious effort to do it.  Whether it is deep breathing exercises, meditation or Yoga, your mind has to consciously tell your body to relax. Using specific relaxation techniques can help you control anxiety and fear, feel more at ease and even help you sleep at night.

2. EXERCISE – Physical exercise is the good kind of stress that our bodies need, and is proven to have positive impacts on overall wellbeing.  However, it is important to remember to exercise your mind, as well. This could be in the form of reading or in the form of mental exercises such as puzzles and brain teasers, or researching a favorite topic.  You can use your creative imagination to write a story, poem, article or even a book.

3. LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH – Just enjoy life.  Have fun. Watch a funny television show or rent a comedy movie.  Discover ways to laugh with your family.

Love your family, friends and those close to you.  Show gratitude and appreciation everyday for the little things they do.

And live…enjoy your life.  You may have a lot of stress going on in your life right now, but when you focus on the positive aspects of your life, things begin to turn around.

4. INNER PEACE – Ways that you can find inner peace are through meditation, faith and spirituality.  These are more personal and include methods that really resonate with you, such as going to church or meditating at home.  Whatever your religious or spirituality preference, connect with that higher being that you trust.  Having faith that things will get better will help bring more peace to your life.

5. ENVIRONMENT – This is so important to your well-being. If you have clutter around the house, papers needing to be filed, dishes in the sink or laundry to be folded, this can cause stress.   Your environment can cause illness as well. You may have dust, mold and mildew that you cannot see that can be creating significant health issues for you.  Studies are also indicating that high electromagnetic fields from wiring in your home, computers and appliances, can cause health problems.

6. FAMILY and FRIENDS, or other support systems – People who have support systems to help them through difficult times are much more likely to experience a reduction in their stress.  Family and friends can help find solutions to problems, but also act like a sounding board to vent frustrations and offer emotional and sometimes financial support when needed.  Getting a coach is an excellent way of establishing a collaborative relationship to help you develop effective strategies to gain control of your stress.

I invite you to make a list of those strategies you are going to implement and put them into action.  By doing so, you are inviting gratitude, balance and tranquility into your life.  Please share your comments!