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What Would You Give To Reduce Your Stress?

© Julie J. Murelle

Okay, so you have so much stress in your life that at times you envision pulling every hair from your head and running down the street shrieking in the nude? (Oh. It must just be me.) Well, however you choose to describe your stress, does it seem like you cannot handle even one more thing? I am asking you to consider it.

"What?" you think. Why is this woman asking me to take on more? I just told her that I am at my wits end. Well, bear with me for just a minute. Taking on a helpful, giving project can help you relieve your stress. When you are able to give to another human being, be it monetarily, blood donation or by act, it makes you feel better.

There are some rules for the nurturing of your human spirit while giving of yourself:

1. The gift must be from the heart. It is never good to give of your time, money or blood with resentment involved. It must be your decision and given freely.

2. Pick carefully the charity, person or act you want to give to. Believing in what you choose is very important.

3. Try to give anonymously where possible. For the spirit to be enriched by giving, it is my belief that the enrichment comes from the act, not the accolades.

It is a great thing for your children to learn as well. The fact is that there will always be people who have more or less than you so why not take a moment to show your children the wonder of giving. There are many places, especially around the holidays that afford the opportunity to give. I know that in my town, the Salvation Army puts, "Angel," trees in many of our local establishments. You pull a angel card off the tree and it has a child's name and what they would like to have for Christmas. Then you and your child or children can go together and pick out what this child's Christmas wish is. This is also a great way to begin a conversation with your child on how this child might feel. This is a great way to teach empathy.

I have a list of five websites to check out if you are interested in doing some charity this Christmas or any time:

www.Redcross.org

www.Literacyvolunteers.org

www.volunteermatch.org

www.Guidestar.org

www.salvationarmyusa.org

One more thought. These are great ways to help people, but I suggest that there are probably people around you who could use your help. Perhaps there is a neighbor who could use an hour of free baby sitting, or an elderly person who could use a note or an hour of company. If you look around your own neighborhood, you might be able to see where you can help in your own little neck of the woods.