As a college freshman at Valparaiso University, facing all the uncertainties of future academic and work life, I had the opportunity to meet with the president emeritus and chancellor. Audiences were rare. Sitting among a small group of nervous peers, we anxiously awaited the arrival of a man revered throughout the school, let alone the country and abroad, for his excellence in achievement and esteemed wisdom. Dr. O. P. Kretzman arrived in a wheelchair, aging, with failing sight. You could have heard a pin drop. All too soon, the attention turned to us as he asked for questions from the group. Silence. I knew inside what an opportunity this was, so despite my fear, I got up the courage to break the ice and ask my question. What advice would you give new freshman as we face all the choices and uncertainties ahead of us? His reply was simple and strong, Take one bite out of the apple at a time. No more, no less. A perfect stressbuster for the moment and for all the moments of my life. Now that Ive been in the working world for 20 years, Ive added a few more stressbusters to maintain a healthy life. Help yourself! 1. Change your priorities 2. Take stretch breaks 3. Step back and observe 4. Review your purpose 5. Get a massage 6. Leave five minutes earlier 7. See a comedy |