Actually, yesterday, I had a renewing of sorts. It deals with my hair. The Village of the Damned look is gone. As late as yesterday, I was getting compliments on the Marilyn Monroe blonde, but it just wasn't me. I wanted a duller, more natural blonde. Last night, thanks to a bottle of 106 Natural Medium Ash Blonde, my hair is much more muted. I like it. It is much more natural looking. It is a natural shade - when I was about 9-years-old.

This morning, I added a few more links to my links section. I mainly added links relating to Bipolar Disorder. Why I didn't have any before, I don't know. I did add a few. They can be found in the important and helpful section. If you have any important links you wish to share, please add them to that section. When I finish with this entry, I have a few other links to add, which I just forgot what I wanted to add! Don't you hate that? Ah, now I remember! I wanted to link the Military Brats webpage.

I'll end this post by reposting something I posted 2 years ago. I got it from a booth at AASU day at that time that was about mental health. I try to do many of these items, but I need to focus on the worrying part. However, the worrying is related to my OCD, not my depression. (Must add OCD links now, too).

Tips For Managing Your Stress

There are a variety of ways to deal with unhealthy stress in your life. Below are some tips that can be adapted to a variety of situations:

• Manage Your Time Effectively - Keep a to do list or daily planner and make sure to include time for yourself and time for stress reduction activities
• Get Some Exercise - Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to deal with stress. It releases endorphins and give you a natural high.
• Avoid Using Drugs of Alcohol To Deal With Your Stress - These things will only mask the symptoms of stress and when you stop using them, the stress will return.
• Take A Break - Schedule several short breaks throughout the day to help minimize your stress.
• Eat Healthy Foods - Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium. If you are going to be out all day, make sure to pack healthy snacks and don't skip meals because this will lower your energy levels.
• Practice Daily Relaxation Exercises - Good ones include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization (imaging a relaxing scene).
• Think Positive And Learn To Control Worry - Instead of focusing on negative thoughts, focus on the positive things in your life and say to yourself at least one positive thought each day. Don't waste your time worrying about things you cant' change or always planning for the worst.
• Know When You Need Help And Get It - Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. There are many resources available to help students deal with stress and problems, so take advantage or them.
• Learn to Say NO- Don't feel guilty when you have to tell others no. Taking on additional projects or work for others when you are busy will only cause you more stress.
• Put Stressful Situations In Perspective - Will it matter a month from now? What about a year from now?
• Get Enough Sleep - Most people need between 6-9 hours, but most people give up sleep when they're under stress to finish more work.

Posted by Shawn at November 16, 2005 10:01 AM in Glurge, Tweaking.