Most people like to keep drama at a minimum in their lives, but sometimes it’s not so easy. During stressful times or when dealing with certain people, you might find drama popping up more than you’d like.

Maybe you’re at a breaking point, and you’re ready to finally eliminate the drama from your life once and for all. Keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to eliminate it all together, but there are certain strategies you can follow to keep it to a minimum.

Consider adding the following strategies to your drama elimination methods:

1. Keep to yourself whenever possible. It’s almost always best to adopt a “mind your own business” attitude when you’re dealing with other people. When you snoop around in someone’s business, you really never know what can of worms you’re opening. If someone asks or invites you into their life, that’s one thing, but you should avoid the urge to pry.

2. Avoid participating in gossip. Humans are social creatures and they tend to talk about each other. Sometimes you might think that your gossip is good news, so it’s okay, but you never know how someone else might spin what you’re saying. It’s best to avoid it whenever possible.

• If you have issues with someone, have a conversation directly with them. Then they’ll know how you feel without hearing a version of the story from someone else.

3. Make efforts to stop gossip. You’ll no doubt be in situations where you’re not participating in it, but you’re hearing other people gossip. It’s difficult to go against the crowd and take a stand, but you must if you’re serious about eliminating drama.

• You can choose to be silent and that way you won’t be held accountable, but you can also politely say that maybe the subject at hand should be changed to something else.

4. Be cautious when meeting new people. Of course you want to be friendly and inviting when you’re meeting people and making new friends. However, keep your guard up to some extent because you really never know when something you say might be seen as hurtful or offensive, even when you didn’t mean it that way.

• Before sharing personal opinions, ensure you know someone well enough to prevent misunderstandings.

5. Analyze past dramatic situations. Think about the scenarios that led to drama for you in the past. Was it a simple misunderstanding? Is there a topic that always leads to drama and arguments? You can definitely learn from past situations that transpired negatively. Reflection can help you avoid those similar situations in the future.

6. Learn how to release your emotions in a healthy way. Drama can lead you to feel some strong emotions. Even if you’re trying to eliminate drama, you can’t just avoid everything that you’re feeling. It can lead to more upset outbursts, since you’re just bottling up those strong emotions. Instead, learn positive ways to release your emotions.

• If you’re starting to feel upset because things are getting heated, remove yourself from the situation. Grab some fresh air and return to the situation once you’ve found a cool head.
• Exercising is a great way to release emotions and pent-up stress.
• Daily relaxation is also important. Do something that you enjoy each day just for you!

Remember that some people just love drama, and they might be trying to stir some up for you. Refuse to participate in their game. You can choose what you want to allow into your life.

Emotions can bottle up inside you, but you don’t have to let them. You can master your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and learn to let them out in positive ways, so they don’t cause you stress and harm.

One of the best ways to improve your health and handle your emotions is by expressing your gratitude. Yes, really!

Ask yourself: What are you thankful for? Who matters in your life? Even when life may not be going as planned, there are still many things to be grateful for.

Give Your Gratitude Away

No matter how much you appreciate someone in your life, that person may not have any idea about how you feel. Rather than just assume they know your thoughts and feelings, go ahead and speak up. Tell them how you really feel and what’s in your heart.

See the smile? It feels good, doesn’t it? When you smile back, laugh, and even share tears of joy and love, it helps your heart, mind, and body thrive. It releases a flood of chemicals that your body just loves. It’s a “feel-good” thing to do. That’s true for both you and the receiver of your gratitude.

Maybe you’re grateful for something you have, as opposed to a person. Did you ever think about sending a thankful message to the company that makes the products you love? They probably hear all about customer complaints, but how much gratitude do they get for the work they’ve done to make lives better or more convenient? Give them some of your gratitude and you’ll spread joy all around!

Ways to Show Your Gratitude

Showing gratitude is something you can do quite easily and all it costs you is a little bit of time and effort.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tell your loved ones you care for them.
• Hug a friend who’s hurting.
• Smile at a stranger.
• Write to a company whose product or service you really love.
• Make time to listen to someone who needs to talk.
• Spend some time out in nature, appreciating the beauty of creation.
• Volunteer your services or help someone in need.

You can also show your gratitude just for being alive by treating others well and being kind to yourself. Relaxing and taking time to unwind from the stress of everyday life is very important, and you’ll be happier and healthier because of it.

Focus on What Really Matters

Many people are unhappy with their circumstances, and it’s often because they feel they don’t have enough money, a big house, or the ultimate car. These things are nice, but in the grand scheme of things, they don’t really matter. After all, when you’re on your deathbed, will you wish you had that red Ferrari? Or will you wish that you had more time with your loved ones?

Connect with what really matters by being grateful for all you’ve been given.

There will be obstacles and stumbling blocks in life, but there is joy all around you as well. When you tap into that joy, keep a positive attitude, and show how grateful you are, you’ll prove that you’re able to let go of unnecessary baggage. It’s a great feeling, and one that you can give yourself, today, right now. What a wonderful thing to be grateful for!

As we approach the end of 2009 and embrace the possibilities of 2010, your journey toward wellness needs to shift into high gear. Your health is your responsibility and must be a continual work in progress. Following these 5 steps during the first 10 days of the New Year will position you for success regardless of where you are in your wellness journey. 

Self Awareness- In order to achieve personal wellness you must become aware of your current state of health. Understanding the dimensions of wellness and the integration of mind, body, spirit is very important.

Visualize your success- Identify what wellness looks like for YOU! Visualizing your goal(s) will make it personal and easier to pursue. Creating a vision board keeps the goal(s) alive and real.

 Make a plan- After you have identified and visualized your goal, make a plan for success. Keep it simple, realistic, and achievable. Give yourself a deadline, re-evaluate and make changes as needed.

 Be proactive about your health- Be sure to schedule your annual checkups with your Health Care Practitioner. This is another important healthy lifestyle feature as it ensures that you are on the right path of health and wellness. During your visit, discuss risk factors and preventive measures which are pertinent to your wellness journey.

 Create balance- Although you are on a wellness journey, creating a sense of balance is crucial to avoid abandonment due to frustration. Working with an accountability partner, health/wellness coach, or attending group empowerment sessions can reduce your stress level, provide feedback and identify new strategies.

 Wellness is a journey that requires a connection of two paths: knowledge and action. Both need to be present to reach your goal of optimal health and well-being. The “Healthy 10” is a starting point or a refresher for those already on the journey!

 Think healthy thoughts and Welcome in 2010!