Stressed? Yeah, I know all about that.

Disclaimer: I am a Hyland's Homeopathy Ambassador and receive various products and gift cards from Hyland's and promotional partners at no cost to me. All views and opinions expressed on this blog post and corresponding social network mentions are my own and are not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Stress. Arghh. For the majority of us, stress is a part of our daily routine. Whether it's traffic problems, computer problems, sick kids, schedules, bills, whatever... stress seems to have a mind of it's own and it works really hard at brainwashing you to buy into it. I confess it often wins.

This week's Instead of This, Use This involves the words we choose.

Sometimes it's our words that cause stress. Have you ever said, "I have so much to do"? I discovered awhile ago that that simple phrase does little more than increase the stress I'm already under. Allowing our to-do lists to dictate our peace of mind is something far too many of us do on a regular basis. So I'm challenging you to let it go. Let it go... Okay, now we've all got that song stuck in our head. Ugh. But the point is, we do need to let it go. We seem to be addicted to busyness and it's just not healthy. Not for us. Not for our relationships. Not for our kids.

By eliminating the phrase, "I have so much to do," you are on your way to derailing the stress that derails you. Just don't say it. Don't think it. Most likely, you do have an awful lot to do. So do it. Just don't talk about it. And see if that helps. That's my suggestion for reducing the stress factor in your life. I know it helps my husband and I when we ban that phrase from our home. Seriously. It helps.

But for the times when I really am too busy and too stressed and I can't turn off my mind, I appreciate being about to reach for my Hyland's Calm tablets. These homeopathic pills just take the edge off and help me to better focus to accomplish what needs to be done.

Starting at 1:00 p.m. EST Wednesday, Sept. 17th, you can register for the Hyland's 5-Day Stress Challenge. The first 1,000 people who sign up will receive a free 32 ct Hyland's Nerve Tonic to be sent to them prior to the launch of The Challenge. Monday, Sept. 29th through Friday, Oct. 3rd, Hyland's Facebook page will feature daily challenges and content relating to a specific topic that promotes natural solutions for managing stress, as well as encouraging healthy strategies.

At the end of each day, participants will answer a question for a chance to win a Hyland's Stress Less Duo, which includes a full-size Hyland's Calm Forte and Hyland's Nerve Tonic.

Ten winners will be chosen at random each day!

On Saturday, Oct. 4th, participants will have the opportunity to win the GRAND PRIZE basket chock-full of anti-stress products from Hyland's and other amazing partner brands AND a $100 Spafinder gift card. All you have to do is be part of The Challenge and answer a brief five-question survey to help them better understand your experience with The Challenge.

Cool, huh? I mean, seriously, less stress is certainly a worthy goal.

But here's something cool, as well. Hyland's is giving someone in the Green Grandma community a basket full of goodies, valued at $75, beforehand.

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept 16th and I'll announce the winner here on Wednesday, along with a reminder to head over to Hyland's FB page and register for The Challenge. What fun!

And remember, instead of letting our words sabotage our stress level, use the "silence is golden" philosophy and don't say them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Name on Rafflecopter must match name in comments. Entries will be verified. Winner has 48 hours to respond or an alternate winner will be chosen.