1.  Learn to say NO! or at very least, Not Just Now. Be realistic about the amount of time it will take you to do these favors and the effects of your commitment to lend a hand. 

2. Is your To Do List so long that you still have items on their from last Christmas?

Does your desk or house look like mine?  A MESS!

Procrastination can be a sign that you do not like what you are doing, or your "place" is so messy that you run like a bandit as soon as you can leave!

Do your eyes glaze over at the thought of picking up the mess. 

Do you watch the DYI and HGTV and live vicariously through the homeowners in                   

 Don't they all look just so friendly?!

Do more of what you like doing and hire someone to help you do what you don't want to do. If the thought of hiring someone to de-clutter your life is too stressful, bite the bullet and do it yourself, but do it!

3.  Make Some Decisions!  What have you been putting off?  Start small, no need to totally change your life in one day.  Take some action, no matter how small.  Soon you will feel comfortable in what you are doing and you will be ready to take another step forward.  Small accomplishments, no matter how few, will make you feel better, less stressed and more empowered.

4.  Reward Yourself!!!! Get a Message, Have Your Hair Done (at Chad's), Plant a Flowering Shrub, Take a Long Walk on a Cool But Sunny Day, Turn Your Cell Phone Off!!!

"I've been reading some books on this subject of stress, now I just have to get off my butt and start doing exactly what I have shared with you above.  Be warned, if you call me for a favor, I might say "Not Just Now"...... Marti