By Tina O’Conner

Please allow me one more opportunity to discuss resolutions/commitments until the end of June!

According to Good Morning America the top five resolutions for 2016 (in order) are:

• live life to the fullest,
• live a healthier lifestyle,
• lose weight,
• spend more time with family and friends,
• and save more and spend less.

Their research also showed the best way to maintain these commitments is to share your resolution with someone. This person can help to hold you accountable; but more importantly, they can encourage you.

Let’s focus on the most popular resolution, Live life to the fullest. To me, this means, enjoy each moment of each day. In other words, focus on what is happening at present. Stop yourself several times a day and pay attention to what is happening around you and inside of you at this moment.

Human beings are not designed to multitask. Plenty of research shows that we cannot succeed by trying to manage several things at one time. This mindset creates stress.

Think about this concept at work. Focus on the project at hand ONLY. Schedule time to look at and answer emails. And stick to it. Keep social media for break times only. A previous supervisor of mine taught me to handle mail one time; recycle it, set it aside for the time slotted to answer mail, or file it.

Keep a list of ongoing items. As each item is completed, cross it off. This tool not only keeps us efficient but it helps us live in the moment. Once the task is done, I no longer have to think about it.

Take time to sit still and breathe. Even if you don’t like the chilly weather, sit at a window and enjoy the view. Listen to music. Give your mind and body a moment to decompress.

Remember that we are valuable and deserve to care for our physical, emotional, and mental selves. When you are at work, focus on work. When we are at home, focus on home and family. Keeping this boundary reduces our stress and helps us feel more satisfied with our personal and professional lives.

Let’s challenge ourselves to live in the moment; fully present and striving for a sense of peace and calm.

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Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.