Read This Before You Go to Your High School Reunion

It’s natural to have conflicting emotions about your high school reunion. You probably remember striving to be popular, falling in love for the first time, and feeling awkward much of the time.

You’re also curious about what your old classmates are doing now and what they’ll think of the adult you.

Be prepared for when your invitation arrives in your mailbox. You’ll enjoy your high school reunion more if you run down this checklist before you go.

Things to do Before Your High School Reunion:

1. Connect online.
Chances are you already keep in touch with some of your close childhood friends on Facebook and other social media.

Try reaching out to anyone else you especially want to see. They’ll probably appreciate the gesture, and it may encourage them to attend.

2. Let go of grudges.
Maybe you argued with a former friend or had a long running rivalry with another student on your soccer team.

Forgiving them will take a load off your mind and allow you to move forward. Talk with a counselor if you need more help coming to terms with your past.

3. Dress comfortably.
Wear an outfit that you know is flattering and helps you to relax.

Resist the urge to go on a crash diet or have a total makeover. Have the confidence to be yourself.

4. Review your achievements.
Other guests are bound to ask what you’ve been doing. Have a few talking points in mind to describe your family, career or whatever fulfills you.

5. RSVP promptly.
Remember the organizers who make your reunion possible. Be sure to tell them you’re coming and thank them for their work.

Things to do During and After Your High School Reunion:

1. Introduce yourself.
You may have trouble recognizing each other after 10 years or more. Prevent mutual embarrassment by stating your name to anyone who looks hesitant.

2. Bring a guest.
If you’d like to have extra support, ask your spouse or a friend to join you. Talk it over beforehand to be sure they feel comfortable.

3. Tell the truth.
You might be tempted to exaggerate your own situation if you find out that a classmate performs brain surgery or built their own vacation home in Tuscany.

Remember that honesty is less work and peace of mind comes from being sincerely content with what you have.

4. Share pictures.
You can be too enthusiastic about your grandchildren and past travels. However, it’s okay to load some favorite images on your phone, especially if you show as much interest in what others bring.

5. Offer apologies.
Is there something you did as a teenager that you deeply regret?

Apologizing to somebody you hurt may help you both to heal if you can find an appropriate opening and they seem receptive.

6. Thank others.
Make someone smile by telling them that you remember something wonderful they did years ago.
Maybe you enjoyed their part in a high school play or appreciate the tips they gave you for understanding calculus.

7. Mingle widely.
Spend time talking with guests who you didn’t get to know as a teenager. You can compare your memories and find out if you have more in common now.

8. Follow up selectively.
Collect contact information for anyone you want to keep talking with.

Accept the fact that some old friends may have drifted away, but other relationships could grow.

It’s easy to follow anyone in your graduating class on social media but seeing them face to face is a more meaningful experience.

Your high school reunion can be an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, heal past insecurities, and discover more about who you are now.

15 Ways to Relax in 5 Minutes or Less

It’s easy to relax when you’re on vacation as you lie on the beach or stroll through museums.

However, peace can be more elusive when your kids are home sick and your inbox is overflowing at work.

Try these 15 foolproof methods for unwinding at home or at the office.

Relaxing at Home:

Many studies suggest that prolonged television watching tends to be a short-term pleasure that contributes to long-term discontent.

Search for more effective methods for making yourself comfortable at home.

1. Turn off your phone.
Disconnect for a while each day. Make family meals and the final hours before bed a phone-free time.

2. Listen to music.
Put on your local classical radio station or any music that you enjoy. Sit down and pay attention without trying to multitask.

3. Meditate briefly.
Even a few minutes of meditation can increase your mindfulness. Pull up a cushion and observe your thoughts. You could also do walking meditation around your living room or patio.

4. Visualize peace.
Guided imagery is another powerful technique. Picture a scene that makes you feel tranquil inside and out. Imagine yourself walking through a field of flowers or swimming in a cool lagoon.

5. Massage your feet.
Five minutes is barely time to draw a bath, but you can soak your feet. Fill a basin with warm water. Squeeze your heels and gently pull on each toe.

6. Drink warm milk.
Any warm beverage without caffeine can be soothing. Add vanilla or cinnamon to warm milk or sip a cup of chamomile tea before bed.

7. Sniff lavender.
Sample a variety of essential oils used for relaxation. You may discover a personal favorite, or you may want to rotate among lavender, valerian, and bergamot.

Relaxing at Work:

Are you afraid to take time out when you’re busy at work and your boss is watching?

Remember that periodic breaks make you more productive. Here are a few more things you can do.

1. Breathe deeply.
When you feel tense, turn your attention to your breath. Inhale deeply from your abdomen and lengthen your exhalations.

2. Adjust your posture.
Scan your body to release any spots where you may be holding on to stress. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and press them down. Soften your forehead and blink your eyes.

3. Take a walk.
If possible, head outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. If you need to stay indoors, climb a few flights of stairs or walk from one end of the office to the other.

4. Stretch your muscles.
Stand up and perform a few static stretches. Lower yourself into a forward bend. Clasp your elbows behind your back.

5. Chew gum.
Would you believe that chewing gum fights anxiety? Pop a stick into your mouth for a few minutes before performance appraisals or sales calls.

6. Squeeze a ball.
The next time you see a tradeshow booth giving away stress balls, grab one. Keep one on your desk to play with occasionally. It may help with arthritis pain too.

7. Laugh about it.
Look for the humor in challenging situations. Share a joke with a coworker or post funny quotes around your desk. Laughter loosens up your muscles and boosts your immune system.

8. Smile more.
Some scientists think that smiling reduces stress because it lowers your heart rate. Start the day by wishing your coworkers a cheerful good morning and remember to look happy when you’re on the phone.

Regular relaxation keeps your mind and body healthy and strong. Experiment to find the practices that relieve your stress and renew your energy.

Who Else Wants to Stop Feeling Stressed Out by Politics?

You’ve probably noticed that modern politics tend to be divisive. TV commentators and family members argue about impeachment, health care, and climate change.

You may not realize how much impact this stress can have on your personal health and relationships.

40% of adults agreed that politics is causing them stress, according to a recent study by the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

10% and 30% said that politics had damaged their friendships, made their home lives more unpleasant, and caused them to lose sleep or feel depressed.

While engaged citizens may be necessary for a democracy, it’s important to keep the affairs of state from interfering with your personal well-being.

Consider these ideas for consuming and discussing politics with less stress.

Following the News with Less Stress:

1. Take time off.
From the TV at your gym to your Uber driver’s car radio, you’re exposed to news even when you’re not searching for it.

Put a time limit on your own consumption and carry your headphones with you if you need a distraction.

2. Set a curfew.
Soothing bedtime rituals will enhance your sleep. Turn off your computer and TV so you can read a novel or work on your hobby.

3. Monitor dinner talk.
Food tastes more delicious when it’s accompanied by pleasant conversation. Discuss daily activities, happy memories, and vacation plans.

Discussing Politics with Less Stress:

1. Be civil.
Listen to other points of view and respect someone’s opinions even when they differ from your own. Stick to the facts instead of taking issues personally.

2. Assume positive intentions.
Give them the benefit of the doubt and look for common ground. You may have similar goals even if you support different policies.

3. Clarify your purpose.
Ask yourself why you’re having a particular conversation. If someone has strong beliefs, you’re unlikely to change their mind with anything you have to say.

4. Back off.
You can decide to avoid debates that you find unproductive or disturbing. Tactfully change the subject or walk away.

Staying up to date with current events may help you to understand and influence public policy, as long as you keep your civic life in balance.

Be selective and courteous about consuming news and discussing politics.

What are YOUR thoughts on these issues? COMMENT on the link below!

Related reading https://www.discoveryhub.net/self-development-plan-sample.html

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