Wishes of “Happy New Year” this past holiday season were almost always tempered with “Let’s hope it’s better than 2017.” Yes, it was a tough year.

With that in mind, let’s count January as our “practice month” for 2018. Although many of us began trying our best to be optimistic in the new year, it has been hard to focus on the positive. Stress just keeps creeping (barging, stampeding, steamrolling) its way in.

So, to get us all on the same page, I am offering six tips we can start with in February. Each tip is accompanied by what I hope is a relevant quote to emphasize and/or clarify the suggestion. Let’s cross our fingers that these thoughts help us achieve a happier, less-stressed existence in 2018 and beyond.

 

1.    Live in the present. In the words of Charles Shultz, creator of Peanuts”: “I have a new philosophy. I’m only going to dread one day at a time.”

 

2.    Indulge yourself (but not too much). Anonymous: “Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.” (I recommend a root beer float enjoyed slowly with a spoon. Make sure it’s a small one or guilt will reboot the stress cycle.)

 

3.    Embrace deadlines. English author Douglas Adams: “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”

 

4.    Relax more. French author Jules Renard: “Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.”

 

5.    Stand up for your beliefs (but remain flexible). Philosopher Bertrand Russell: “I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.”

 

And, perhaps the best advice of all:

 

6.    Make the most of your circumstances. Comedian Ron White: “I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka and have a party.”

 

Lemon drop, anyone? Here’s my favorite recipe:

Happy 2018!