Sanity Tip–Serve
December 14th, 2009
The following quotes grabbed me the past few days.
As usual, the best is simple, and the wisdom of the ages is upside down (or right side up). So here they are! Read more…
Archive
Archive for the ‘Sanity Tips’ Category
Sanity Tip–Good Relationships
December 5th, 2009
Research, personal experience and history testify that one of the most effective ways to weather tough times and stay sane is to have good relationships. Good relationships form a safety net under us. They are a refuge, a place to refuel, a way to give and to receive, and a means to be held accountable.
Corrections work only too often takes its toll on relationships, as weary staff tend to lash out in anger or withdraw in reaction to even minor irritations. Read more…
Sanity Tip–Think Ahead
October 22nd, 2009
Thinking ahead, being proactive instead of reactive, can often save our sanity. Here are some ways to do that.
- Anticipate problems and take measures ahead of time to reduce or even eliminate their impact.
- Manage your money wisely to reduce your financial stress. Read more…
Sanity Tip–Empower Coworkers
October 16th, 2009
Be a force for positive change. Empower your colleagues. Point out progress, no matter how small. Tell them what value they contribute to the team and the institution. Read more…
Sanity Tip–Laugh
September 18th, 2009
“A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast.” Groucho Marx
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” King Solomon (Proverbs 17:22)
Most adults laugh 0 to 50 times a day. Researchers recommend 100 to 400 laughs a day. (Four-year-olds’ level). Read more…
Sanity Tip–One Day At A Time
August 18th, 2009
Years ago I was told that the only way I was going to get though life sane was to do one day at a time. Being someone who likes to plan ahead and cover the bases for all kinds of possibilities (including worst-case scenarios), I found the statement ONE DAY AT A TIME at first to be naïve, overly simplistic. Yet looking back on my life now I see how putting this principle to practice was the only way I made it when faced with undertakings that intimidated me and made me shake in my boots. Read more…
Sanity Tip–Give
August 11th, 2009
Have you heard the saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” It’s true! It’s really, really true! I can attest to the fact that giving has gotten me out of funky moods, expanded my perspective, and enlarged my heart. There is even a study that used a brain scanning procedure called fMRI which showed that giving money to a charity activated pleasure-related regions in people’s brains. Read more…
Sanity Tip–Forgive
August 4th, 2009
At the age of 29 I had a radical spiritual encounter that drove the importance of forgiveness home to me. I’d barely come out of an atheist mindset, so spiritual realities were new to me. The message I received was that if I wanted to heal from a recent divorce, I needed to forgive.
Not knowing how to forgive but desperately wanting to recover, I decided to go for it. That day was the kick-off of a process that lasted many, many, many months. I am absolutely convinced I am saner for it (and for “forgiveness rounds” with other people since then).
Sanity Tip–Optimism
July 27th, 2009
While growing up my grandma repeatedly quoted to me the ancient Greek saying, There is nothing bad without some good mixed in with it. (The way you say it in Greek is, Outhen kakon amiges kalou.) The English equivalent is, There’s a silver lining in every cloud. So since early on in my life I was taught to identify positives in the midst of negatives. This practice has contributed greatly to my sanity to this day.
Sanity Tip–Spend Time Outdoors
July 20th, 2009
Oh, the outdoors! Sunshine, moonlight, birds chirping and squirrels squawking, flowers exploding with indescribable color, the wind whistling through trees, rain, snow, mountains, lakes, roaring rivers, the saltiness of the sea. I’ve always felt refreshed by being outdoors—whether it’s stepping outside for 15 minutes or going away for five days. There is something about the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of nature that refreshes my soul. Whether a faraway place or a city park—even a walk around the block—put me in touch with something bigger than me, something majestic and amazingly complex. Even insects can be fascinating. I often spend time watching ants go about their business. And I find myself breathing more deeply and relaxing, sometimes even smiling, and getting refreshed before I go back to the grind.