Conflict Corner Continued from page 17

You find yourself short-tempered. Your neighbor gives you a look and probably doesn’t realize he or she has done so across the parking lot or backyard. So much for a friendly wave or nod of the head, right? It’s not just you or me. It’s many of us and we need to think about it now.

Think about your plan of action when you get under stress from increased time pressure in your life. It will happen. It.will.happen. So, to keep the conflict gremlin at bay, what is your plan of action?

Exercise. Take stretch breaks. Eat (not the time to skip meals) or eat without reckless abandon if stress eating becomes your coping behavior. Talk it out. Journal your thoughts. Maintain your sleep schedule (a big one that many of us shortchange ourselves). Say “no” a bit more. Remember, as said often, “No.” is a complete sentence. What works for you?

If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to craft it (How do you like that one? I added another item on your to-do list!). If you have a plan, work it and adjust it as needed to maintain focus, health, productivity, and perspective.

I have a sign in my home office: “Peace. This We Choose Each Day.” When the clock races, when my mind tries to race with it, and when the pace quickens, I find myself repeating this phrase. Maybe it will help you to practice proactive conflict management of yourself “in times like these.”

Barbara A. Bailey, PhD is the co-founder and CEO of The Healing Bridge Foundation.

Continued from page 16 those roots will continue to deepen, and that growth will continue to reach for the sky.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com