June is rebuild your life month

Matti Daniels
Family and Consumer Sciences

Times of great stress and rebuilding in our lives can be very difficult. That is why a month dedicated to the topic of rebuilding our lives is so important. In the world of golf, they call it a mulligan or a do-over. It is a chance to take stock and grow as people. Many things can happen in our lives where we have to regroup and start anew. No two people are alike. The best solution for one person facing a difficult issue in life may not be the best solution for another person. Our lives are all about choices. With each choice we make there may be good or bad results.

We need to understand those results as we are making a decision in our lives. There is a great quote from Alexander Graham Bell that can be helpful when we are in the midst of rebuilding times in our lives: “When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Here are several ideas to help you continue to move forward to open new doors and rebuild your life.

Talk it out with someone you trust. Find a person you can talk to that will listen and not be judgmental. It can be very helpful to talk with someone during a transition period in your life. Just make sure the person is someone who will not repeat things shared in confidence and someone that you do not have to tiptoe around when you talk to them.
Healthy Eating. During times of stress and transition it can be very important to watch what you eat and how much you eat.  Good nutrition has many positive effects on stress levels. Switching to a healthier diet brings some of the greatest benefits for wellness.
Regular Exercise. Exercise is a great way to manage stress and keep many health conditions in check. Even just a simple walk can help calm your mind and help you to relax.

Quality Sleep. It may seem so simple, but lack of sleep can make stressful times much worse. Learn about how stress affects sleep and remember that it can be one of the most important things to focus on when stress is high in your life.
If you have any questions, contact the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service at 549-1430; e-mail DL_CES_WHITLEY@EMAIL.UKY.EDU; or visit the office located at 4275 N. Highway 25W in Goldbug.